Özgür Özel, the leader of Turkey’s main opposition party, urged people to protest peacefully after Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest. Many believe the government is targeting İmamoğlu for political reasons.
İmamoğlu’s Arrest Sparks Outrage
Police arrested Ekrem İmamoğlu early Wednesday morning during a raid at his home. Authorities accused him of corruption and having ties to a terrorist group. His arrest led to widespread protests across Turkey.
The authorities also arrested other key members of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). Two district mayors and several officials were taken into custody.
Özel strongly condemned the arrests. “We are calling for peaceful, legal protests to defend our democracy,” he said. “We are not the ones filling the streets—your injustice has driven people to protest.”
Protests Met with Police Force
Since Wednesday, thousands of protesters have gathered outside Istanbul’s city hall. Demonstrations also erupted in major cities like Ankara and Izmir.
On Thursday night, riot police cracked down on a large protest at Ankara’s Middle East Technical University. Officers used tear gas and water cannons to clear the crowd. Protesters claimed police fired rubber bullets, but the Interior Ministry denied this.
Government officials reported over 50 arrests during the protests. Authorities also said that 16 police officers were injured in clashes with demonstrators.
Officials in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir responded by imposing a five-day ban on protests. The decision angered activists and human rights groups, especially since Turkey’s justice minister had earlier acknowledged the right to demonstrate.
Symbolic Election Planned Amid Political Tension
Despite the crackdown, the CHP announced a symbolic nationwide vote to support İmamoğlu. On Sunday, citizens will cast ballots to express their opposition to the mayor’s arrest.
İmamoğlu was expected to be nominated as the CHP’s presidential candidate in a primary election on the same day. His arrest could change that. If convicted, he may be removed from office and replaced by a government-appointed trustee.
Political analysts warn that the charges against İmamoğlu could be used to block him from running for higher office. The government has previously replaced opposition mayors in similar cases, citing alleged connections to banned groups.
Erdoğan Dismisses Claims of Political Motives
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan defended the government’s actions, calling the arrests part of a broader “corruption crackdown.” He accused the opposition of encouraging unrest and working with extremist groups.
“We will not allow a small group to create chaos in Turkey,” Erdoğan said. He added, “Calling people to the streets instead of respecting the courts is irresponsible and weakens the rule of law.”
Government officials insist that the judiciary is acting independently and that the charges against İmamoğlu are legitimate.
Under Turkish law, İmamoğlu can be held for up to four days without formal charges. On Friday, authorities began questioning him.
Growing Concerns Over Democracy in Turkey
Human rights organizations and international watchdogs are closely following the situation. Many see İmamoğlu’s arrest as part of a broader crackdown on opposition voices.
Turkey has faced criticism in recent years for its treatment of journalists, activists, and opposition leaders. This latest arrest adds to concerns about political freedom and judicial independence in the country.
As tensions rise, many wonder how the government will respond if protests continue. Will officials ease restrictions, or will they impose stricter measures to control dissent?
For now, Turkey faces a critical moment in its political future. The outcome of İmamoğlu’s case could shape the country’s democracy for years to come.