Interior Minister Yerlikaya: 1,418 Detained in İmamoğlu Protests Since March 19
protests
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that a total of 1,418 individuals have been detained across Turkey since March 19, 2025, in connection with the ongoing protests against the arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
Yerlikaya stated that 979 of those detained remain in custody and will be referred to judicial authorities for further proceedings.
Firm Warning Against Street Unrest
In his latest statement, Yerlikaya emphasized that the government would not tolerate attempts to “terrorize the streets” or attacks against national and moral values:
“Those who attack our police officers and threaten public order will never be allowed to act with impunity,” he said.
Yerlikaya also condemned verbal attacks made during protests:
“I once again condemn those who insulted the late mother and family of our President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.”
Security Forces on Alert 24/7
Reaffirming law enforcement’s role, the minister stated:
“Our security forces protect — and will continue to protect — the peace and security of our beloved nation 24/7, with the power they derive from the law.”
The update comes as demonstrations continue in major cities, led by civil society groups, political parties, and university students opposing what they see as an attack on electoral legitimacy and local democracy.
