Protests erupted across multiple Turkish cities on Friday, March 21, 2025, as people rallied against the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This unrest followed a dawn raid on Imamoglu’s residence earlier that week, which authorities claimed was due to alleged corruption and terror links. The crackdown on dissent quickly escalated, despite Erdogan’s stark warnings that he would not tolerate street protests, branding the opposition as opportunistic and corrupt.
The Turkish Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, stated that 343 individuals were detained during protests on the night of March 21 in cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos as police employed tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets against demonstrators, some of whom attempted to break through barricades with flares and stones. Yerlikaya emphasized, “There will be no tolerance for those who seek to violate societal order, threaten the people’s peace and security, and pursue chaos and provocation.”
Imamoglu's arrest has raised the stakes ahead of crucial political developments in Turkey, with elections for the presidency scheduled for 2028 looming. He was detained as part of what many observers believe is a politically motivated effort to eliminate a popular challenger to Erdogan. Critics assert that the authorities’ actions signify a systematic crackdown on opposition figures, undermining the country’s democratic practices.
Reports indicated that Imamoglu was interrogated for four hours on March 21 over corruption accusations, which he vehemently denied. Cumhuriye newspaper noted that he could be transferred to a courthouse for further questioning by prosecutors the following day, March 22. “An anti-corruption operation in Istanbul is being used as an excuse to stir unrest in our streets,” Erdogan stated, dismissing opposition claims and reinforcing his position that legal proceedings were legitimate.
Since Imamoglu’s arrest, thousands have gathered at Istanbul City Hall for protests, leading to confrontations in several cities. Most significantly, students at Ankara’s Middle East Technical University faced police tumult, with reports of rubber bullets deployed against them. The government has since imposed a five-day prohibition on protests in Ankara and Izmir, reflecting its quick response to civil unrest.
On the march, CHP leader Ozgur Ozel rallied crowds, urging citizens to exercise their democratic rights, stating, “I invite tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, and millions to peacefully demonstrate.” His appeals came during a resurgence of sentiments reminiscent of the 2013 protests that previously erupted nationwide against Erdogan's administration. The CHP has also called on followers to participate in a symbolic election via ballot boxes set up across Turkey to show solidarity with Imamoglu.
As protests unfolded, there were reports of violence elsewhere too, including an incident where gunmen fired shots at the Iraqi consulate in Istanbul. Although no injuries were reported, the Turkish foreign ministry vowed to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter.
Imamoglu’s situation remains precarious as analysts predict the possibility of removal from office, with a “trustee mayor” potentially being appointed should he face charges tied to the outlawed PKK. During this political turmoil, the Borsa Istanbul benchmark index plummeted about 7%, leading to trading suspensions to curtail panic-driven sell-offs in the wake of rising tensions.
With the primary nomination of the CHP presidential candidate set for March 23, Imamoglu remains a focal point in Turkey’s contentious political arena, where many perceive his detainment as a direct threat to fair electoral practices. Ozel condemned the government's suppression of protests and voiced a need for organized resistance against prevailing injustices. In his remarks, he declared, “We are not the ones filling these streets and squares. It is your lawlessness and injustices that have brought people out,” attributing unrest to the government’s actions against the opposition.
As the situation develops, the public and analysts alike will be closely monitoring Turkey's political landscape, particularly the response from authorities and the resilience of protest movements in the face of perceived government overreach. With critical elections on the horizon and civil rights at stake, the discourse on democracy and freedom in Turkey remains deeply contested.
