Thousands of Turks took to the streets across the country on Thursday, again, to protest the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The opposition says the arrest is politically motivated and the protests are signficant in Turkey because they are held in direct defiance of the Turkish government’s imposed ban on public gatherings until Sunday.
Demonstrations erupted in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, with clashes between police and protesters — including university students — and numerous arrests. Authorities used tear gas and water cannons, and social media access was restricted. Six police officers were reportedly injured.
People take part in a protest against the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, in Istanbul, Turkey, March 20, 2025. REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya
Ekrem Imamoglu, 54, a two-term mayor and Turkish President Erdogan’s main political rival, was arrested on charges of corruption and aiding a terrorist group on Wednesday. Moreover, the univeristy which awaded Imamoglu his degree announced shortly before his arrest that they are revoking his degree due to “irregularities”. In Turkey, Presidential candidates are required to hold a university degree to be eligble for running.
Meanwhile, Turkish authorities have also seized a construction firm co-owned by Imamoglu. Most of the 105 people detained alongside him were municipal employees, according to a report by Reuters.
The opposition has decried the accusations as politically motivated. Meanwhile, critics, political analysts, and even European leaders, view the arrest as part of a broader, months-long crackdown on dissent and competition ahead of the 2028 Presidential elections. This being said, some believe Erdogan may call early elections.
Riot police use water cannons to disperse demonstrators during a protest against the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, in Ankara, Turkey, March 20, 2025. REUTERS/Cagla Gurdogan TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
President Erdogan has dismissed the public outcry as “theatrics,” claiming the opposition is trying to distract the public from the party’s weaknesses and failures. But Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel accused Erdogan of trying to eliminate Imamoglu from the political arena. Ozel announced that CHP will nominate Imamoglu as its presidential candidate regardless.
Inside the police station, Imamoglu called on the judiciary and Erdogan’s party members to oppose the injustice of his detention, urging unity beyond party lines.
The arrest also rocked financial markets, triggering a temporary plunge of the lira and sharp declines in bank stocks. However it appears that the Lira is now stabilizing.
