Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is set to appear before a Turkish court at 11 PM local time Saturday, facing charges of leading a criminal organization in a case that has sparked mass protests across the country.

Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and potential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the 2028 presidential election, has strongly denied all allegations. “I categorically reject all accusations,” he stated after undergoing a four-hour interrogation related to corruption charges. Investigators reportedly questioned him about at least 40 municipal contract tenders.

Massive Protests and Clashes with Police

Demonstrations in Istanbul and Izmir escalated overnight, with protesters chanting “Don’t stay silent, or you’ll be next!” and holding banners reading “Justice, law, fairness” and “Do not be afraid, the people are here.”

A demonstrator stands before police armored vehicles as university students take part in a protest against the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, in Ankara, Turkey, March 21, 2025. REUTERS/Cagla Gurdogan

In Istanbul, riot police fired rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators, according to AFP reports. In Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, authorities deployed water cannons against crowds. At least 90 protesters have been arrested, and over 200 have been detained since the demonstrations began.

Meanwhile, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), of which Imamoglu is a senior member, is expected to make a crucial announcement this weekend regarding its strategy for the upcoming presidential election and how it will respond to the growing political crisis.

Erdogan Dismisses Protests, Vows to Maintain Order

Addressing the unrest, President Erdogan dismissed the demonstrations as disruptive and warned against public disorder.

A demonstrator holds a flag during a protest by students against the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, in Istanbul, Turkey, March 21, 2025. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

“The path CHP leaders are leading people down is a dead-end,” Erdogan said during an event in Istanbul. “We will not allow public order to be disturbed.”

He went on to accuse CHP officials of supporting corruption, saying, “If you can justify theft, corruption, and mafia-like control of municipalities, go and explain it to the nation.”

Erdogan also condemned the protests, warning that his government “will not tolerate street vandalism or provocations, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.”