Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Istanbul on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in response to the arrest of the city's mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu. The opposition leader is widely seen as a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and his arrest has ignited widespread anger among his supporters.
Despite a demonstration ban issued by authorities, which also restricted several social media platforms, crowds gathered outside key locations including Istanbul's police headquarters, City Hall, and the headquarters of İmamoğlu's Republican People's Party (CHP). Protesters expressed their outrage, with one individual stating, "This is not democracy. It’s a sham of democracy. The people do not deserve this. We are upset of course. As humans, we are upset." This sentiment highlights the growing discontent with Erdoğan's regime.
The legal troubles for İmamoğlu escalated dramatically on March 19, 2025, when he was arrested and subsequently taken to the Vatan Security Department by riot police. A total of approximately 100 individuals, including İmamoğlu, were detained amid the crackdown, which many critics describe as an attempt to silence dissent. İmamoğlu and his aides face serious allegations, including corruption, extortion, and even aiding the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK), a group classified as a terrorist organization by both Turkey and its Western allies.
The political climate has turned increasingly hostile, particularly following the revocation of İmamoğlu’s bachelor’s degree by Istanbul University, a legal requirement for hosting political office in Turkey. CHP leader Özgür Özel has criticized these developments, suggesting that Erdoğan fears losing to İmamoğlu in the upcoming elections due to the latter's popularity. He stated, "They can do any evil. We are ready for any evil they can do. Because it is clear that the issue is not a political struggle, but a matter of existence or non-existence for the country." His remarks suggest that the stakes are exceedingly high in terms of political power.
In contrast, Turkey's Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc defended the actions of the judiciary, emphasizing its independence and integrity. Tunc remarked, "Characterizing investigations carried out by an impartial and independent judiciary as something like a coup, or using similar terms is extremely dangerous and incorrect." He reaffirmed that the separation of powers is essential, aiming to alleviate fears surrounding the motivations behind İmamoğlu's arrest.
International reactions have also poured in. On March 18, 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her alarming concerns over İmamoğlu’s arrest, stating that Turkey, as a candidate for EU membership, must adhere to democratic values and uphold the rights of elected officials. "Turkey is an EU candidate country, Turkey must uphold the democratic values, especially the rights of elected officials," she emphasized. This demonstrates how İmamoğlu's plight resonates beyond Turkey's borders, capturing the attention of European leaders.
The coverage in the German press reflected a similar sentiment of alarm. Reports suggested that Erdoğan's repeated crackdown on his opponents, including İmamoğlu, stems from a deep-seated fear of losing power. "Die Welt" commented on how the recent investigations against İmamoğlu appear unconvincing, comparing them to"a thief's cry of 'Catch the thief,'" implying that these allegations may be politically motivated rather than grounded in fact.
Moreover, Augsburger Allgemeine remarked on the palpable fear that Erdoğan and his inner circle have of their own populace, which is evidenced not just by the arrests, but also by the implemented protest bans and internet restrictions: "Turkey is once again facing a stormy period," the publication noted, suggesting an impending social upheaval.
Meanwhile, the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger pointed out Erdoğan's recent losses in crucial elections as contributing factors to his aggressive measures against popular mayors such as İmamoğlu. The backlash is not limited to the opposition; criticism is also directed towards the German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, whose strong statements on the events have been met with resistance. "Diplomacy is what Germany needs," chided Rhein-Neckar newspaper, advocating for a more nuanced approach rather than public outcry.
Returning to the Turkish context, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung emphasized that the power struggle between Erdoğan and İmamoğlu must ultimately be decided by the Turkish electorate. The newspaper described the political landscape in Turkey as exceptionally challenging for opposition figures, suggesting that İmamoğlu, with his influence and charisma, represents a significant threat to Erdoğan's rule.
In conclusion, the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu signals a broader crackdown on dissent in Turkey. The streets of Istanbul are a reminder of the city's vibrant opposition, as thousands stand up for their view of democracy. As this situation unfolds, the ramifications for Turkish politics and the opposition’s fight against Erdoğan will be watched closely, not only by the nation itself but also by the international community, which is growing increasingly concerned about the state of democracy in Turkey.
