Protests continue to sweep across Turkey in response to the recent arrest of Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opposition leader. Imamoglu, who is suspected of corruption, bribery, and links to terrorist organizations, was detained on March 19, 2025, igniting widespread unrest, particularly in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. These protests intensified after the Turkish government imposed a ban on mass demonstrations, which saw over 343 arrests as of March 22.
Following the court decision concerning Imamoglu, Turkish television channels ceased live broadcasts from protest sites, adhering to a directive from the Supreme Council for Radio and Television. This directive stated that channels would face severe penalties for airing protests or commentary related to illegal organizations. Ebubekir Shahin, the head of the regulator, emphasized the importance of lawful broadcasting, stating, "Sanctions will be applied to organizations that broadcast outside the law." Currently, state, private, and opposition channels are predominantly airing discussions and recorded events instead of live coverage.
The Republican People's Party (CHP), to which Imamoglu belongs, has responded to the circumstances surrounding his detention by calling for peaceful protests despite official prohibitions. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel reaffirmed the necessity of public demonstration, stating, "I invite millions of people to express our democratic reaction and exercise our constitutional rights." These calls for action come as mass protests erupted across Turkey, with up to 300,000 people gathered near the Istanbul municipality following Imamoglu's arrest.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has labeled the unrest as "street terrorism" and has vowed that Turkey will not succumb to what he described as chaos instigated by opposition parties. Erdogan further asserted that the judiciary in Turkey operates "freely and independently," attempting to downplay allegations that Imamoglu's detention is politically motivated.
Since the commencement of protests on March 19, social media has also become a battleground. Turkish authorities have been actively blocking accounts that promote information about the protests. Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya reported that 326 activists were arrested for inciting public disorder on social media, with a number of those detained being students and other political figures.
In the context of these events, the lira plummeted by 12.7%, reaching a historic low as the government sought to stabilize the post-arrest economic turbulence. Local authorities disclosed that approximately $20 billion was utilized to support the currency over a short period, while the Central Bank of Turkey intervened by selling $26 billion to stem the currency's fall.
Amidst sporadic clashes with police during the protests, vivid scenes unfolded across Turkish cities with demonstrators demanding not just Imamoglu's release but also broader governmental accountability. An overwhelming police presence employed tear gas and water cannons against crowds assembled in defiance of official protest bans.
Moreover, the charges against Imamoglu—involving alleged links to the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK), deemed a terrorist organization by Turkey and Western allies—come at a precarious moment, as the CHP prepared to nominate him as a presidential candidate in upcoming primaries aimed at the 2028 elections. Many observers suspect the prosecution is an effort to eliminate a significant rival to Erdogan.
A further atmosphere of tension is marked by the culmination of political maneuvering as the CHP plans to conduct its primaries on March 23. The party has encouraged symbolic voting across Turkey to demonstrate solidarity with Imamoglu and oppose measures perceived as unjust. These activities signal a broader challenge to Erdogan's rule.
On March 22, Imamoglu was due to appear before a judge, potentially facing serious charges that could not only threaten his political career but also significantly reshape Turkey's political landscape as the country gears up for the next election cycle. The international community has expressed concern as officials from the EU and Germany criticized Imamoglu's detention, highlighting the severe implications for democracy in Turkey.
Overall, the protests represent a potent backlash against political repression, with citizens uniting in their calls for justice. The future of Istanbul's mayor and his role within the Turkish political framework remains uncertain as the situation continues to evolve.
