Özgür Özel, leader of Turkey’s main opposition party, CHP, has renewed calls for peaceful demonstrations across the country after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. İmamoğlu, a key political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was detained on Wednesday in what many believe is a politically motivated move to weaken opposition ahead of the 2023 elections. Authorities accused İmamoğlu of corruption and having links to a terrorist organization. His arrest has sparked widespread protests, with CHP urging citizens to exercise their democratic rights peacefully.
İmamoğlu’s Arrest Sparks Nationwide Protests
The arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu early Wednesday morning prompted an immediate outcry from opposition parties and citizens alike. Police detained İmamoğlu during a dawn raid, leading to accusations of politically motivated actions aimed at sidelining one of President Erdoğan’s most prominent opponents. Authorities have also detained other CHP figures, including two district mayors, as tensions rise across Turkey.
In response to the arrest, CHP leader Özgür Özel emphasized the importance of peaceful, constitutional protests, stating: “We are exercising our democratic rights. We are not filling the streets—your injustice has brought people out.” His words resonated with thousands who gathered in major cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, to voice their opposition to the move.
Police Crackdown Escalates Amid Protests
Since İmamoğlu’s arrest, the protests have intensified. Thousands of citizens have gathered outside Istanbul’s City Hall nightly, demanding the release of the mayor and denouncing the charges against him. Demonstrations spread to other major cities, including Ankara and Izmir, as citizens rallied in solidarity with İmamoğlu and the opposition.
However, the government has responded with a heavy hand. On Thursday night, riot police clashed with protesters at Ankara’s Middle East Technical University, using tear gas and water cannons. Protesters accused police of firing rubber bullets, though the Interior Ministry denied the claim. Authorities reported over 50 arrests, and 16 officers were injured during the confrontations.
In response to the growing unrest, local authorities in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir imposed five-day protest bans, despite earlier statements supporting the right to protest. These measures have sparked further backlash, with the CHP planning symbolic elections on Sunday to encourage citizens to demonstrate solidarity with İmamoğlu by casting ballots, even though the protests have been officially banned.
Erdoğan Defends Arrest, Rejects Political Motive
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has defended the arrest of İmamoğlu, calling it part of a broader anti-corruption operation. Erdoğan rejected claims that the arrest was politically motivated and accused opposition groups of inciting chaos. He warned that any protests aimed at undermining the rule of law would not be tolerated, adding, “We won’t allow opportunists to create chaos to protect their plundering schemes.”
Erdoğan’s government continues to assert that Turkey’s judiciary operates independently, denying any political interference in İmamoğlu’s case. Despite this, analysts warn that the mayor’s arrest could be part of an effort to weaken the opposition ahead of the upcoming elections. İmamoğlu had been widely expected to be nominated as the CHP’s presidential candidate in a primary scheduled for Sunday, heightening the political stakes of his detention.
Legal Questions and Political Implications
İmamoğlu’s legal situation remains uncertain. He is currently being questioned by authorities, and the law allows for him to be held without charges for up to four days. While the mayor has yet to be formally charged, the government’s actions raise questions about the independence of the judicial process. If authorities are able to confirm links between İmamoğlu and the PKK, a Kurdish militant group, he could face removal from office and be replaced by a government-appointed trustee.
The developments have left many citizens questioning the transparency and fairness of the legal proceedings, fueling protests calling for justice. As tensions rise, the situation remains fluid, and analysts predict that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for Turkey’s political landscape in the lead-up to the 2023 elections.
Call for Continued Vigilance
As Turkey faces one of its most critical political moments in recent years, opposition leaders like Özgür Özel are urging citizens to stay vigilant and committed to peaceful protest. Despite the government’s efforts to suppress dissent, the nationwide demonstrations signal growing frustration with what many see as political repression.