Protests Intensify Across Turkey Over İstanbul Mayor’s Arrest

For a second consecutive night, thousands gathered outside İstanbul’s city hall to protest the arrest of Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a move widely seen as a politically motivated attempt to sideline President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s key rival from the next presidential race.

Escalating Crackdown Sparks Outrage

İmamoğlu was arrested in a dawn raid on Wednesday, accused of corruption and ties to a terrorist organization. Several other opposition figures, including two district mayors, were also detained, triggering concerns over democratic backsliding in Turkey.

Despite a four-day protest ban and road closures, demonstrations erupted across İstanbul, Ankara, Adana, and İzmir.

• Police clashed with protesters attempting to march to Taksim Square.

• Ankara police used tear gas and water cannons at Middle East Technical University.

• Six police officers were injured, according to the Interior Ministry.

Political Reactions & Market Fallout

• Ozgur Özel, CHP leader, urged citizens to protest peacefully, stating:

  “Yes, I am calling the people to the streets.”

• Mansur Yavaş, Ankara’s mayor, called on all opposition parties to unite against the government’s actions.

• Financial markets reacted sharply, with trading temporarily halted on Wednesday to prevent panic-selling.

Government Defends Legal Process

Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) denied involvement in İmamoğlu’s arrest, insisting that the judiciary operates independently.

• AKP Spokesman Ömer Çelik dismissed opposition claims of a government-orchestrated crackdown, saying:

  “What a politician should do is to follow the judicial process.”

• Erdoğan accused opposition leaders of ignoring corruption allegations, stating:

  “Instead of presenting evidence, they provoke their base and deceive the public.”

What’s Next?

With protests spreading and economic instability rising, Turkey faces a critical political test. The government’s next moves—especially whether İmamoğlu is replaced by a state-appointed trustee—could further inflame tensions.