Turkey Protests Intensify Following Opposition Figure’s Detention
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has denounced escalating protests in Turkey in the wake of the apprehension of a prominent opposition figure.
In a Friday address, Erdogan asserted his administration would not “yield” to “vandalism” or “street terror” amidst further planned demonstrations. “We will not condone the disturbance of public order,” he stated.
Arrest of Istanbul Mayor
On Wednesday, law enforcement detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, among over 100 individuals apprehended on allegations of graft and aiding terrorist organizations.
Critics of the government have rallied in Turkish cities, with renewed gatherings in Istanbul and Izmir on Friday, in defiance of demonstration restrictions. The Interior Minister reported 53 arrests at Thursday’s protests.
Opposition Calls for Continued Demonstrations
Ozgur Ozel, leader of Imamoglu’s party, the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), urged a third consecutive nightly protest outside Istanbul City Hall at 20:30 local time (17:30 GMT), arguing the president fears the ongoing demonstrations.
He also appealed to citizens throughout Turkey to stage peaceful demonstrations simultaneously nationwide.
“Overturn barricades without harming police, occupy the streets and squares,” he encouraged.
Government Response and Ban Extension
Authorities initially attempted to suppress street protests with a four-day prohibition on all assemblies in Istanbul, announced immediately after Wednesday’s arrests.
This ban has since been extended to Ankara and the western coastal city of Izmir as demonstrations spread.
Ahead of Friday’s protests, Istanbul’s governor, an Erdogan ally, mandated the closure of the Galata and Ataturk bridges, both spanning the Golden Horn estuary leading to city hall.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya also criticized the demonstrations, labeling the opposition as “irresponsible.”
Yerlikaya further noted the arrest of another 54 individuals for online posts violating a law concerning “inciting public hatred and hostility.”
Tens of thousands have assembled across Turkey since Wednesday’s detentions. Clashes with police, deployed to disperse demonstrations, have intensified, with law enforcement employing tear gas and pepper spray.
Minister Yerlikaya stated that 16 police officers sustained injuries during the demonstrations.
Broader Crackdown and Political Context
The apprehensions of Imamoglu and others are part of a wider national crackdown in recent months targeting opposition politicians, journalists, and entertainment figures.
Opposition figures contend the arrests are politically motivated. However, the Justice Ministry has refuted any connection between Erdogan and the arrests, emphasizing judicial autonomy.
Imamoglu’s Political Standing
Imamoglu secured a second term as Istanbul mayor last year, as his CHP party achieved widespread victories in local elections across Istanbul and Ankara.
This marked the first instance since Erdogan’s ascent to power that his party experienced nationwide electoral setbacks.
These elections were also a personal setback for the president, who politically matured and served as mayor of Istanbul early in his career.
Erdogan has held power for 22 years, serving as both Prime Minister and President. Current term limits restrict him from seeking office again in 2028, unless constitutional changes are enacted.
CHP’s Response and Symbolic Vote
The CHP’s presidential candidate selection process, involving 1.5 million members and with Imamoglu as the sole candidate, is scheduled for Sunday.
The party has also called for citizens to participate in a symbolic election, planning to place ballot boxes in districts throughout Turkey for public displays of support for the detained mayor.