ISTANBUL – Protests across Turkey have continued for a sixth consecutive night, following the arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused opposition parties of instigating a “movement of violence” amid rising political tensions.
Arrest Sparks Nationwide Demonstrations
Unrest erupted last Wednesday when Ekrem Imamoglu, seen as President Erdogan’s chief political opponent, was arrested on multiple corruption charges. Imamoglu maintains that the accusations are politically motivated—a claim President Erdogan has firmly denied.
Despite being in custody, Imamoglu was confirmed as the Republican People’s Party (CHP) candidate for the 2028 presidential election on Monday. He faces charges of:
- Establishing and managing a criminal organisation
- Bribery
- Extortion
- Unlawful data collection
- Tender rigging
Prosecutors also alleged his involvement in “aiding an armed terrorist organisation”, although this was not included in the formal indictment. Imamoglu has also been suspended as Mayor of Istanbul.
Istanbul University has announced the revocation of his degree—a move that could threaten his eligibility for presidency under Turkish law, which requires completion of higher education.
Erdogan Responds to Escalating Protests
Speaking from Ankara, President Erdogan condemned the demonstrations as “evil” and accused the opposition of “disturbing the peace of our citizens with provocations”. He urged for an end to the unrest, stating that opposition leaders have made “the most vile and unlawful statements in our political history for [the past] five days”.
Water cannon vehicles were seen near Istanbul’s city hall on Monday. However, Monday’s protests remained largely peaceful compared to Sunday’s clashes.
#TurkeyWatch: Pres. Erdoğan’s CRACKDOWN CONTINUES.
Riot police have turned to VIOLENCE against Turkish protesters in Istanbul.
PRES. ERDOĞAN’S HAS MADE A
MISCALCULATION. ERDOĞAN IS IN DEEP TROUBLE.pic.twitter.com/odvM834rUU— Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) March 24, 2025
Public Reaction and Voices from the Street
The protests have drawn large crowds, many of them young people, who have voiced frustration not just with the government, but with the broader political system.
“They sprayed pepper spray on us like insecticides,” said Lydia, a demonstrator speaking to AFP.
“There is nothing left to lose,” another protester told the BBC.
“I was afraid before – but now I’m just angry,” said a 25-year-old woman who joined Sunday’s protests.
University student Irmak said: “I don’t know what he did 20 years ago, but nowadays, he is just a dictator.” She and her friends activated location sharing on their phones out of fear of being detained.
Protesting students are marching over Istanbul’s historic Galata Bridge now, as taxis honk in solidarity.
It’s the 6th night of protests in Turkey over the jailing of @ekrem_imamoglu & the first time this has happened. They told me they’re scared of police violence at city hall pic.twitter.com/SajlkRORHU
— Liz Cookman (@liz_cookman) March 24, 2025
Arrests and Political Fallout
According to the Turkish government, 1,133 individuals have been arrested since the protests began. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel addressed demonstrators on Monday, describing the protest as “an act of defiance against fascism.” He announced plans to visit Imamoglu in Silivri prison and said the CHP would request a public trial broadcast on TRT.
The CHP has said that formal protests will conclude on Tuesday, though it remains to be seen if public demonstrations will continue independently.
Demands for Change
For many protesters, the movement goes beyond Imamoglu. Demonstrators are demanding democratic reform and an end to authoritarian governance.
“We want democracy and we want our friends back,” said Mustafa, a protester. “We want to save the republic from this authoritarian populist regime.”
Imamoglu’s wife, Dilek Kaya Imamoglu, addressed crowds outside city hall, saying the “injustice” faced by her husband had “struck a chord with every conscience.”
What’s Next for Turkish Politics?
Although Imamoglu’s arrest does not currently prevent him from running for president, a conviction would disqualify him. President Erdogan, in power for 22 years, is constitutionally barred from running again in 2028.
