Across the globe, spontaneous grassroots movements are rising in support of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Mayor of Istanbul, following his controversial detention on March 19, 2025. His arrest, conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office during two separate investigations, has ignited widespread public outrage and intense protests both within Turkey and in several cities abroad.
Starting initially in Turkish universities, protests swiftly escalated, engulfing the nation and spreading internationally to Turkish communities in various countries. From the bustling streets of Cologne, Germany, to Trafalgar Square in London, thousands of expatriates rallied in support of İmamoğlu, holding placards adorned with phrases advocating democracy, justice, and accountability from their government.
In Cologne, a significant gathering saw Turkish citizens brandishing banners featuring iconic founder Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, alongside various protest slogans. Demonstrators set the tone across multiple gatherings, asserting their support for İmamoğlu and their dissatisfaction with governmental choices. Meanwhile, participants in Frankfurt—you guessed it, also in Germany—joined the chorus, voicing similar sentiments for İmamoğlu.
On the other side of the English Channel, hundreds of expatriates living in London took part in a symbolic election supporting İmamoğlu as the CHP’s presidential candidate, marching all the way to 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister, Kier Starmer. Gathering momentum with chants and songs, the crowd unmistakably conveyed a message of solidarity by shouting, “Susma, sustukça sıra sana gelecek,” which translates to “Don’t be silent, if you stay quiet it will be your turn next!”
Similar scenes unfolded in Amsterdam, where protesters gathered at Dam Square, directly criticizing the Turkish government's handling of İmamoğlu’s detention with chants demanding the resignation of the government. Inside the United States, particularly in New York City, over 300 demonstrators assembled in lower Manhattan, showcasing their unwavering support for the besieged mayor.
In France, expatriate communities also took to the streets, gathering in Paris and Strasbourg with chants echoing their dissatisfaction over İmamoğlu’s treatment. Posters affirming solidarity with slogans translated from Turkish to French drew attention, reinforcing the message that the outrage surrounding İmamoğlu reflects a larger discontent against the ruling party in Turkey.
Notably, in Canada and Spain, protests erupted once more—each emphasizing justice and the will of the people, declaring that the governance seen in Turkey cannot be accepted. In Madrid, protestors created impactful visual statements carrying banners with powerful messages in both Turkish and Spanish, declaring, “We are echoing the resistance against the palace regime that disregards the people’s will.”
As public support morphed into a formidable political statement, nearly 400 artists from Turkey joined the effort against İmamoğlu's detention, signing a declaration that underscored their strong belief in democracy and justice. The declaration contained weighty affirmations, with renowned figures such as Halil Ergün, Tilbe Saran, and Rutkay Aziz lending their names in solidarity. The artists highlighted that “the time has come to defend the rule of law and democracy.”
Amid mounting pressure from citizens and public figures alike, İmamoğlu submitted his statements on the allegations against him during his court appearances. The allegations, primarily surrounding alleged misconduct related to municipal tenders, were met with denial from İmamoğlu, who stated, “İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality has carried out all tenders within a transparent and lawful framework. These accusations bear no relation to the truth.”
His assertions reflect the deep political currents swirling around this case, which many view as part of a politically charged attack against opposition voices in Turkey. The collaboration of his supporters and the array of protests point to a collective pushback against perceived authoritarianism.
On March 21, 2025, Müsavat Dervişoğlu, the İYİ Party leader, joined the fray by visiting the courthouse where İmamoğlu was processed. His arrival was followed by a call to action for his party members to attend a gathering in Saraçhane, aligning himself and his associates unequivocally with İmamoğlu’s plight and aiming to demonstrate unity in defending democracy.
The public reaction to İmamoğlu's detention not only underscores the growing resistance against current government policies but also highlights an unprecedented solidarity among political personalities, artists, and ordinary citizens alike. This movement reflects an urgent cry for justice in a rapidly polarizing political landscape.
The collective indignation against İmamoğlu's detention symbolizes not only defense for one leader but a clarion call for recognizing the individuals' will against a backdrop of growing political suppression. As protests continue across borders and every corner of Turkey, the emphasis remains on collective action for democratic integrity, safety, and the right to free expression.
