Widespread protests are erupting across Türkiye, fueled by public outrage following the controversial arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Demonstrators are flooding the streets for the seventh consecutive day, showcasing their demand for justice and the right to freely express discontent against the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The protests, which began on March 19, 2025, were triggered by the detention of İmamoğlu on corruption charges just days before he was slated to be confirmed as a presidential candidate. This jailing is perceived by many critics as a politically motivated move aimed at eliminating a significant rival to Erdoğan's 22-year reign. Reports indicate that since the protests commenced, over 1,100 individuals have been arrested, with more than 300,000 people taking to the streets in cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
Upon his arrest, authorities cited allegations of bribery, bid rigging, and connections to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), among others. Adding to the controversy, Istanbul University annulled İmamoğlu’s degree just one day before his detainment. This academic maneuver raised serious concerns as Turkish law stipulates that candidates for president must possess a university diploma.
The protests have quickly spiraled into a nationwide movement, the largest since the Gezi Park protests in 2013. Protesters are chanting for the release of İmamoğlu, citing a desire for justice and the restoration of democratic values in Türkiye. Many demonstrators include university students, municipal workers, and legal professionals who argue that İmamoğlu's arrest undermines constitutional protections.
"We are here because of justice and democracy and because we don't believe that we are living in a democratic country," a physician who joined the protests at Sarachane park remarked, reflecting widespread sentiments among demonstrators.
The Turkish government has responded with significant force, enacting a four-day ban on public gatherings throughout Istanbul and deploying riot police equipped with tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons against demonstrators. These repressive measures have not quelled public dissent; instead, the protests have intensified, as more people mobilize against what many see as governmental overreach.
In the face of the crackdown, opposition parties have also mobilized. The Republican People’s Party (CHP), led by Özgür Özel, has announced that despite the escalating arrests, they will continue to organize protests. "This is a political coup against the will of the Turkish people," Özel stated during a rally, underscoring the assertion that the government is acting unlawfully.
In a recent cabinet meeting, Erdoğan accused the CHP of inciting unrest among the populace. This reflects his government's long-standing narrative, labeling protests as a form of street terrorism rather than legitimate expressions of political discontent. Authorities have gone so far as to restrict access to social media platforms in a bid to curtail online mobilization among protesters.
Amid the escalating unrest, the European Union and several countries—including France and Germany—have condemned the arrests as a severe blow to democratic principles in Türkiye. Human rights organizations have cited the detainment of protesters as a blatant abuse of the judicial system. The Council of Europe's human rights commissioner has called for the immediate release of all arrested individuals, pushing for adherence to international standards regarding freedom of assembly and expression.
As the protests continue, the issue of economic stability remains a poignant backdrop. Following İmamoğlu’s arrest, the Turkish lira suffered a significant blow, plummeting between 12% and 14.5% against the dollar, while the country's stock market faced an 8.7% drop. These economic ramifications are exacerbating public dissatisfaction across various socio-economic strata, further fueling the protests.
Participants in the protests remain resolute. An unnamed university student at Sarachane expressed optimism about the ongoing demonstrations. "I think it will continue for a long time depending on how the people, police, and the government react," she stated. Many also voiced their determination to continue participating in daily protests, feeling increasingly emboldened despite potential risks.
A physician mentioned his hopes to join protests outside Silivri prison, where İmamoğlu is being held. "I hope it never stops," he said, conveying a sense of urgency among demonstrators looking for a change in governance.
However, it remains uncertain how President Erdoğan plans to navigate this growing unrest. After losing Istanbul in the 2019 local elections, regaining control over the city has become a vital component of his strategy to maintain political power and influence.
The Turkish government now stands at a crossroads, where its choices will either further polarize the public or provide a path toward reconciliation. The protest’s global visibility continues to rise, but whether this external pressure can influence the political dynamics within Türkiye remains to be seen.
