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Turkiye is witnessing widespread protests after the shocking arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in a pre-dawn raid on Wednesday. His detention, which comes just days before he was expected to announce his candidacy for the 2028 presidential election, has triggered unrest in multiple cities, with demonstrators demanding justice and transparency.
Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and a member of the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), is facing a series of serious charges, including bribery, extortion, corruption, and illegally obtaining personal data. Additionally, Turkish authorities accuse him of collaborating with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization in Turkiye. These allegations have added fuel to the political crisis, with critics claiming they are politically motivated.
Following the arrest, protests erupted across Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Adana. In Istanbul, demonstrators gathered outside City Hall and attempted to march toward Taksim Square, a historic site of mass demonstrations. Security forces blocked their path, leading to scuffles between police and protesters. In the capital, Ankara, authorities used water cannons to disperse crowds at Middle East Technical University. Despite the government imposing a four-day ban on public gatherings, the protests show no signs of stopping.
The situation has also escalated on social media, where millions of posts flooded platforms within 24 hours of Imamoglu’s arrest. The Turkish Interior Minister reported that 261 accounts were flagged for allegedly inciting public unrest, leading to the detention of 37 individuals. The outpouring of online support underscores the deep political divide in the country.
Adding to the controversy, a Turkish university recently annulled Imamoglu’s diploma, citing “irregularities.” This decision could potentially disqualify him from holding political office. His supporters argue that these actions are part of a broader effort to sideline opposition figures ahead of the next elections.
Imamoglu’s arrest has also impacted Turkiye’s financial markets. On Wednesday, trading was temporarily halted to prevent panic selling, and the Turkish lira plummeted to a record low. The economic consequences of the political turmoil are raising concerns about investor confidence and the country’s stability.
Despite the mounting tensions, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) have defended the detention. Party spokesperson Omer Celik called for patience and urged the opposition to respect the legal process. “What a politician should do is follow the judicial process,” he stated, dismissing claims that the charges against Imamoglu are politically driven.
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel, however, has taken a different stance, calling on supporters to continue demonstrating. Speaking at a rally outside Istanbul’s City Hall, he urged citizens to remain on the streets while emphasizing the importance of peaceful protests.
With the opposition vowing to challenge Imamoglu’s arrest, Turkiye is bracing for more unrest in the days ahead. The developments are likely to shape the country’s political landscape as it moves toward the next presidential election.