Turkish Protests Continue for Seventh Night Amidst Detentions
For the seventh consecutive night, thousands have participated in demonstrations across Turkey, with Istanbul being a focal point of the protests. The ongoing public displays of discontent have resulted in the detention of over 1,400 individuals, including students, members of the press, and legal professionals. This wave of unrest in Turkey was triggered last Wednesday by the apprehension of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent political figure regarded as a chief rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on charges of corruption.
International Condemnation and Allegations of Political Motivation
Numerous human rights organizations and the United Nations have voiced strong condemnation regarding the arrests and the forceful tactics employed by law enforcement against demonstrators. Mayor Imamoglu has characterized the accusations against him as politically motivated, a claim that President Erdogan has refuted.
President Erdogan’s Response and Call for “Common Sense”
Addressing young people at a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner in Ankara on Tuesday, President Erdogan appealed for patience and rationality during what he termed “very delicate times.” He asserted that those seeking to incite turmoil within the nation “have nowhere to go,” labelling the path of the protesters as futile.
Student Demonstrations and Increased Security Measures
On Tuesday evening, a significant number of students from various Istanbul universities convened in Maçka Park, subsequently marching towards Şişli. In response to the planned demonstrations, Istanbul authorities implemented a ban on public assemblies and closed certain roadways, citing the need to “maintain public order” and “prevent potential provocative actions.”
“Government Resign” Chants and Opposition Plans for Mass Rally
As student protesters proceeded through the Nisantasi district, they chanted slogans such as “government, resign!” while displaying flags and banners, all under the observation of a substantial deployment of riot police. Many participants concealed their faces with scarves or masks, expressing concerns about potential police identification.
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The Republican People’s Party (CHP), Turkey’s primary opposition party, announced that Tuesday’s gathering outside Istanbul City Hall would conclude the series of nightly vigils. However, the CHP has called for a large-scale rally in Istanbul on Saturday to advocate for early elections. Ozgur Ozel, a leading figure in the CHP, addressed crowds, questioning their readiness for a major rally to “support Imamoglu, to object to his arrest, to object to the detention of each of our mayors” and to demand “early elections.”
Detention Statistics and Government Stance
Turkey’s interior minister reported that 1,418 protesters have been taken into custody since the demonstrations began last Wednesday, actions the government has deemed “illegal.” Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated via social media that while 979 suspects remain in custody, 478 individuals were scheduled to appear in court. He emphasized a firm stance: “No concessions will be made to those who attempt to terrorise the streets, to attack our national and moral values, and to our police officers.”
Journalists Among Those Detained, Sparking International Concern
Separately on Tuesday, seven journalists, including AFP news agency photographer Yasin Akgül, who was covering the demonstrations, appeared in court. AFP Chairman Fabrice Fries has penned a letter to the Turkish presidency, directly appealing to President Erdogan to “intervene” in what he characterized as the “unacceptable” detention of Akgül. Fries clarified that “Yasin Akgül was not part of the protest,” but was fulfilling his journalistic duties, documenting the ongoing demonstrations in Turkey. He noted Akgül’s extensive photographic record of the protests as evidence of his professional coverage.
US Expresses Concerns Over Detentions
In Washington, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed “concerns” following a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, according to a statement from the US State Department.
Imamoglu’s Political Future and Context of Political Unrest
Mayor Imamoglu‘s detention is part of a broader investigation that has led to over 100 arrests last week, encompassing politicians, journalists, and business figures. While his arrest does not legally impede his candidacy for president, a conviction on the charges against him would disqualify him from holding office. He is considered a significant challenger to Erdogan, who has been in power in Turkey for 22 years. Erdogan’s current term is set to conclude in 2028, and under existing regulations, he is ineligible for re-election unless he initiates early elections or amends the constitution to extend his term. Turkey’s Ministry of Justice has rejected assertions linking Erdogan to the arrests, affirming the independence of the judiciary.