More than 1,100 people, including journalists, have been detained by Turkish authorities as protests continue across the country following the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s key political rival. The protests, which erupted in Istanbul after Imamoglu’s arrest last week, have spread to over 55 of Turkey’s 81 provinces, sparking violent clashes with riot police and drawing sharp criticism from the international community.
Imamoglu, the popular mayor of Istanbul and a leading figure in the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), was arrested and stripped of his office in connection with an ongoing corruption and terrorism investigation. Imamoglu, seen as the strongest challenger to Erdogan’s rule, was voted as the CHP’s candidate for the 2028 presidential election, securing 15 million votes in a highly symbolic primary. His arrest came just days before his nomination, fueling suspicions that the Turkish government was attempting to suppress his growing political influence.
Imamoglu’s arrest has led to a wave of mass protests, with tens of thousands of people gathering in opposition to the government’s actions. Police have used force to disperse the crowds, leading to violent confrontations, particularly in Istanbul and other major cities. On Monday, the MLSA rights group reported that 10 journalists had been detained for covering the protests, including an AFP photographer. Many of those detained were reporting on the demonstrations outside Istanbul’s City Hall, where thousands rallied in support of Imamoglu.
Imamoglu’s wife, Dilek Kaya Imamoglu, condemned the arrests of journalists, emphasizing the importance of press freedom. “What is being done to members of the press and journalists is a matter of freedom,” she wrote on social media.
In addition to the arrests of protesters and journalists, two lawyers representing detained demonstrators were also taken into custody in the coastal city of Izmir. These actions further highlight the government’s crackdown on those voicing dissent.
The unrest comes amid increasing tensions between Erdogan’s government and the opposition, as Imamoglu’s popularity continues to rise. Istanbul’s mayor was seen as a viable challenger to Erdogan, who has dominated Turkish politics for over two decades. Imamoglu’s arrest has sparked condemnation from various international bodies, including Germany, which called it “totally unacceptable.”
On Sunday, millions participated in CHP’s primary, casting votes in a de facto referendum on Imamoglu’s candidacy. The election, which attracted 15 million votes, saw 13.2 million ballots cast by non-CHP members, demonstrating widespread public support for the embattled opposition leader.
In response to the growing unrest, the Turkish government has taken steps to restrict online content, blocking over 700 social media accounts linked to political figures, journalists, and activists. This effort to stifle dissent highlights the government’s increasing control over free speech and its crackdown on opposition voices.
As the protests continue, Turkey remains on edge, with authorities pledging to maintain control and prevent any further disruption of public order. Meanwhile, Imamoglu remains in prison, where he has vowed to continue fighting against what he sees as a politically motivated attack on his freedom. “I will not budge an inch. I will win this war,” Imamoglu said in a message from prison as rallies continued across the country.
