ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Friday that authorities would not bow to “street terror” following days of nationwide protests over the arrest of Istanbul’s opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.
Arrest Sparks Unrest
Imamoglu, 53, a key political rival to Erdogan, was arrested on Wednesday, just days before he was expected to be officially named the Republican People’s Party (CHP) candidate for the 2028 presidential race. His detention triggered protests across at least 32 of Turkiye’s 81 provinces, according to AFP reports.
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel urged supporters to rally outside Istanbul City Hall at 1730 GMT, calling for simultaneous demonstrations nationwide despite government warnings that such actions were “unlawful and unacceptable.”
Authorities responded by closing Istanbul’s Galata Bridge and Ataturk Bridge—key access points to the historic district housing City Hall. Protest bans were also extended to the capital, Ankara, and the western coastal city of Izmir.
Police Crackdown and Arrests
Despite restrictions, thousands have gathered nightly in Istanbul. While police initially showed restraint, tensions escalated on Thursday when officers fired rubber bullets and tear gas at student demonstrators in Istanbul and Ankara. Turkish media reported at least 88 arrests, while Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that 16 police officers were injured. Additionally, 54 individuals were detained for alleged online “incitement to hatred.”
Erdogan dismissed the unrest as mere “opposition drama” but escalated his rhetoric on Friday, accusing CHP leaders of “grave irresponsibility.”
Legal Battle and Political Ramifications
Authorities allege Imamoglu and six others are under investigation for “aiding a terrorist organization,” referring to the banned Kurdish PKK militant group. He is also implicated in a corruption probe involving approximately 100 suspects. Reports indicate he was questioned on Friday afternoon, with all suspects due in court on Sunday.
Despite Imamoglu’s detention, the CHP has vowed to proceed with its primary election on Sunday, during which he is expected to be officially nominated as their 2028 presidential candidate. In a bid to rally public support, the party invited all voters—not just members—to participate, urging, “Come to the ballot box and say ‘no’ to the coup attempt!”
Analysts suggest the government may attempt to block the primary to prevent a public display of support for Imamoglu. Gonul Tol, head of Turkish studies at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, noted, “If a large number of people show up and vote for Imamoglu, it will further legitimize him domestically… It could really move things in a direction that Erdogan doesn’t want.”
Economic Fallout
The political turmoil has rattled Turkiye’s financial markets. The Turkish lira took a significant hit, while the BIST 100 stock index dropped 6.63% shortly after 1200 GMT on Friday.
According to internet watchdog EngelliWeb, restrictions on social media and internet access imposed following Imamoglu’s arrest were lifted by Friday morning. However, with tensions still running high, the situation remains volatile as Turkiye braces for further demonstrations.
