Turkey in turmoil: Nationwide unrest over Istanbul mayor’s arrest
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A demonstrator holds a flare as students from several universities take part in a protest against the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, in Istanbul, Turkey, March 21, 2025. — Reuters
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Istanbul: Turkey is witnessing widespread unrest because tens of thousands of people take to the streets across the country, and against the arrest of Istanbul’s opposition mayor, Akim Amoglo, was seen as a politically -driven crackdown by critics.
Protesters gathered on the streets late Friday night, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denied a warning that Turkey would not tolerate “street terrorism”.
At the end of Friday, millions of people in Istanbul denied a warning by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan against the arrest of the city’s opposition mayor, Akim Amoglo, that Turkey would not tolerate “street terrorism”.
It was the third night that the protesters had gathered against the arrest of Amoglo -Ardogan’s biggest political rival in Turkey’s largest streets in a decade.
Opposition leader Ozgur Ozil, the CHP chief, who demanded a nationwide protest, told a wide crowd in front of the Istanbul City Hall that “300,000 people” had joined the demonstration.
He told the gathering, “This is not a CHP rally. The people here are from all parties and have come to stand for solidarity with Mayor Amloglo and stand for democracy,” he told a lot of gathering, which gave his speech a joy and applause.
Erdogan “is trying to twist the judiciary as a weapon and handle the building and twist the arm of Amoglo. But we will not hand it over to the government’s appointed trustee!” He announced.
According to two AFP representatives, who collided with both legs, the riot police fired with tear gas and rubber bullets, clashes broke out on the occasion.
According to an AFP representative and opposition Holk TV, clashes broke out in Ankara and the western coastal city of Izmir, where police fired water guns and tear gas at the protesters.
“Don’t be silent, or it will be after you,” the protesters shouted in Istanbul when the mass crowd gathered at sunset, which was written: “Don’t be afraid, people are here!” And “law, rights, justice”.
Wearing a head scarf, 56 -year -old Nicala said, “We did not go to the streets by force. We are here because of Erdogan.”
He told AFP, “I do not believe in the allegations leveled against Amoglo. He is not so honest.”
Street protested ‘dead end’
The arrest came a few days before the CHP candidate was officially named for the 2028 presidential race.
According to an AFP count, the protest spread from Istanbul to at least 40 of Turkey’s 81 provinces.
Since CHP’s Ozil emphasized on standing on people across the country, Erdogan announced: “Turkey will not surrender to road terrorism.
He added, “Let me make it loud and clear: The CHP leader called for the streets protest is a dead end.”
He accused the opposition leader of “serious irresponsibility”, and raised concerns that he too could face legal action.
On Friday, authorities imposed a protest ban on Ankara and Izmir. Prior to the Istanbul rally, they stopped important routes to access to the city hall, including Galta Bridge and Ataturk Bridge.
According to Turkish media, on Thursday, police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters in Istanbul and Ankara, where at least 88 protesters were arrested, according to Turkish media.
Interior Minister Ali Yarlaikia said 16 police officers were injured. Police detain 54 people for online posts, which are considered “hated”.
Prosecutors say they are investigating Amogloo to “help a terrorist organization”. He also claims that corruption will be investigated by him and about 100 others.
Currency and stock market hit
The move against Amoglo has caused a heavy blow to the Turkish lira, and on Friday, the Best 100 stock exchange was trading less, which was flowing eight percent just before 1400 GMT.
Despite the detention of Amoglo, the CHP has pledged to move forward with its primary on Sunday, at which he will formally nominate his candidate for the 2028 race.
The party announced that it would open the process for anyone who not only to the party members, but also wants to vote, saying: “Come to the ballot box and say ‘no’ to the rebellion attempt!”
Observers suggested that the government could try to stop the primary to prevent further cooperation for Amoglo.
“If a large number of people show and vote for Amoglovo, said Gonol Toll from Washington, a Washington -based Middle East Institute, while talking to AFP, it will give it a domestic legal status and really transfer things in the direction that Erdogan does not want.”
