Department of Research, Studies and International News 21-03-2025

Demonstrations have erupted across Turkiye for a second consecutive night in response to the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The unrest, which has spread to multiple cities, was sparked by Imamoglu’s sudden detention in a predawn raid on Wednesday. His arrest comes just days before he was expected to declare his candidacy for the 2028 presidential elections as a key opposition figure.

Widespread Demonstrations and Police Crackdown

Protests have taken place outside Istanbul’s City Hall, where demonstrators attempted to march towards Taksim Square, a historically significant protest site, only to be met with police resistance. Security forces clashed with small groups of protesters, using force to prevent them from reaching the barricaded square.

In Ankara, authorities deployed water cannons to disperse students demonstrating at Middle East Technical University. Smaller protests have also been reported in Izmir and Adana, indicating that the outrage is not confined to Istanbul but has spread nationwide.

Despite a government-imposed four-day ban on protests, rallies are expected to continue into the weekend. Speaking at a gathering outside City Hall, Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel encouraged supporters to persist in their demonstrations. “Yes, I am calling the people to the streets,” he declared, while also urging them to remain peaceful.

Allegations Against Imamoglu

Imamoglu, a prominent member of the secular CHP, has long been seen as one of the most formidable rivals to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. His arrest is part of a broader investigation that includes allegations of corruption, bribery, fraud, and extortion. Authorities have also accused him of illegally obtaining personal data for financial gain and of collaborating with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) during municipal elections.

The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization in Turkiye, has been engaged in an armed struggle for Kurdish independence for decades. Imamoglu’s alleged connections to the group have intensified political tensions, although his supporters view the charges as an attempt to undermine the opposition ahead of future elections.

Adding to the controversy, a Turkish university recently annulled Imamoglu’s diploma due to “irregularities,” a decision that could potentially disqualify him from holding public office. The charges against him, some of which date back to 2022, are seen as part of a broader legal campaign targeting opposition figures.

The Turkish government has remained steadfast in its justification of the arrest. Omer Celik, spokesperson for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), urged critics to respect the legal process, stating, “What a politician should do is follow the judicial process. None of us have any information about the content of the “criminal” file.”

Beyond street protests, public dissent has also surged on social media. Within 24 hours of Imamoglu’s detention, nearly 18.6 million posts flooded online platforms, reflecting widespread discontent. In response, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that authorities had identified 261 accounts accused of inciting public unrest. As a result, 37 individuals were detained for allegedly spreading inflammatory content.

Economic Repercussions

Imamoglu’s arrest has also rattled Turkiye’s financial markets. Fearing instability, stock trading was temporarily suspended on Wednesday to prevent panic selling. Meanwhile, the Turkish lira plummeted to a record low, further deepening concerns about the country’s economic trajectory.

As protests intensify and legal proceedings unfold, the political landscape in Turkiye remains volatile. Imamoglu’s detention has amplified existing tensions between the government and opposition forces, setting the stage for a prolonged struggle over democracy, governance, and the rule of law in the country.