Why The Protest In Turkey?

The recent arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, has ignited widespread protests across Turkey, reflecting deep-seated concerns about the nation’s democratic processes and escalating political tensions.

What happened

The mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, rose to prominence as a member of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Turkey’s main opposition party.

In 2019, he achieved a landmark victory by winning the Istanbul mayoral election, defeating a candidate from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s party. This win was particularly significant, as it marked the first time in decades that the ruling party lost control of Turkey’s largest city. İmamoğlu’s success positioned him as a formidable challenger to Erdoğan’s long-standing rule.

On March 19, 2025, İmamoğlu was detained by Turkish authorities on charges including corruption, extortion, bribery, money laundering, and alleged ties to terrorist organizations, specifically the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

Alongside him, over 100 individuals, including political and business figures, were also arrested. The government asserts that these actions are part of a legitimate legal investigation.

The arrests have sparked widespread protests across Turkey, with demonstrators perceiving İmamoğlu’s detention as a politically motivated move aimed at sidelining a key rival ahead of upcoming elections.

Opposition leaders, such as CHP’s Özgür Özel, have labeled the arrests a “coup” against democracy and have called for continuous peaceful demonstrations until İmamoğlu and others are released.

These protests have erupted in major cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir, leading to clashes with police forces.

Responding to the protests, President Erdoğan accused his political opponents of theatrics for participating in a second night of demonstrations.

> “They have lost the balance so much that they are in a state to attack our police, hurl threats at judges and prosecutors,” he said.

Opposition’s take

Addressing a crowd of demonstrators outside Istanbul’s city hall, Özgür Özel, the leader of İmamoğlu’s CHP party, accused the government of attempting a “coup” and insisted that people had the right to protest.

However, government officials have criticized the opposition for calling for demonstrations.

“Gathering and marching in protest are fundamental rights. But calling people to the streets over an ongoing legal investigation is illegal and unacceptable,” Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç wrote online.”

Authorities have also widened bans on demonstrations, further escalating tensions between the government and opposition supporters.

Despite the crackdown, the CHP plans to proceed with its internal vote to select a presidential candidate, with İmamoğlu as the sole contender. Party leaders assert that any attempt to bar him from running would only strengthen their determination and support. They have also indicated plans for peaceful demonstrations to protest what they see as unjust actions by the government.

As the situation unfolds, Turkey faces a critical juncture in its political landscape, with potentially significant implications for its democratic processes and the upcoming elections.