Türkiye is witnessing its second consecutive night of protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in a pre-dawn raid on Wednesday.
The arrest, which comes just days before he was expected to announce his candidacy for the 2028 presidential election, has triggered nationwide unrest. Opposition leaders are urging continued demonstrations despite a government-imposed four-day protest ban.
Protests Erupt Nationwide
Demonstrations erupted outside Istanbul’s City Hall on Thursday, with protesters clashing with police as they attempted to march toward Taksim Square, a historically significant site for political rallies. Similar unrest was reported in Ankara, where security forces used water cannons to disperse students at the Middle East Technical University. Smaller rallies occurred in Izmir, Adana, and several other cities, reflecting growing public outrage over the mayor’s detention.
Read more: Turkey Extends Visa-Free Stay Duration
Who is Ekrem Imamoglu?
Ekrem Imamoglu, 53, is a leading opposition figure and a member of the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP). His landmark victory in Istanbul’s 2019 mayoral election—where he twice defeated the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) candidate after an annulled result—was seen as a major setback for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Since taking office, Imamoglu has been a vocal critic of Erdogan’s government, advocating for transparency and democratic reforms. His growing popularity, particularly among young and urban voters, has positioned him as a strong challenger to AKP dominance in future elections.
Charges Against Imamoglu
Imamoglu faces charges of bribery, extortion, corruption, aggravated fraud, and illegally obtaining personal data as part of a criminal organization. He is also accused of collaborating with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) during past municipal elections.
The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU, has been a longstanding tool in legal and political battles against Erdogan’s critics. Imamoglu’s supporters argue that these charges are politically motivated and designed to weaken the opposition ahead of upcoming elections.
Why Are People Protesting?
The mayor’s sudden arrest has been widely viewed as an attempt to suppress political dissent. Thousands have taken to the streets, defying the government’s protest ban. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel directly called for public demonstrations, urging protesters to remain peaceful while demanding justice.
Social media has played a key role in mobilizing the opposition, with authorities reporting over 18.6 million posts about Imamoglu’s arrest in just 24 hours. The government has since detained 37 individuals for allegedly inciting unrest online.
Economic and Political Fallout
Imamoglu’s arrest has rattled Türkiye’s financial markets. Trading was briefly halted on Wednesday to prevent panic selling, while the Turkish lira hit a record low. Investors fear that growing political instability will further strain an economy already struggling with high inflation and currency depreciation.
International observers have also voiced concerns over Türkiye’s political climate. The European Union and human rights organizations have criticized the country’s judiciary for lacking independence, warning that legal cases are increasingly being used to silence opposition figures.
What’s Next?
With protests continuing across Türkiye, the political landscape remains tense. Imamoglu’s legal troubles add to the growing list of opposition leaders facing prosecution, intensifying concerns over the erosion of democratic freedoms. Whether the protests will lead to broader political consequences remains to be seen.
