Turkey has rejected international criticism regarding the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and the nationwide protests that followed. Authorities have detained nearly 1,900 protesters since demonstrations began, raising concerns over democratic freedom and press rights.
İmamoğlu, a major political rival to President Tayyip Erdoğan, was jailed pending trial on corruption charges. His arrest triggered the largest anti-government protests in Turkey in a decade. The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and international observers have claimed that the case is politically motivated, aiming to eliminate İmamoğlu as a potential contender in the 2028 presidential election. The Turkish government maintains that the judiciary is independent and denies any political interference in the case.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç defended the mayor’s arrest, stating that the severity of the allegations required legal action. He also noted that being an elected official does not exempt anyone from prosecution. One day before his detention, İmamoğlu’s university diploma was annulled, a requirement for presidential candidacy in Turkey. The timing of these events has fueled accusations of political maneuvering.
Protests have swept across multiple cities, prompting mass arrests. Interim Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that 1,879 individuals had been detained, with 260 jailed pending trial. While 489 people have been released, 662 remain under investigation. The protests have also resulted in injuries among law enforcement, with officials claiming that some detainees had past criminal records or links to banned groups.
Journalists covering the protests have also faced restrictions, with several local journalists being detained while reporting on the rallies, though they were later released. Turkey ranks 158th in the 2024 Press Freedom Index, with critics alleging heavy government control over the media.
Amid the ongoing unrest, financial markets have been affected, with Turkish financial assets experiencing a sharp decline. The central bank has intervened to stabilize the Turkish lira, asserting that the fluctuations are temporary. However, economic analysts warn of further instability if tensions persist.
Meanwhile, the opposition has vowed to continue its protests. The CHP has organized rallies in Istanbul and other cities, urging citizens to demonstrate against what they see as a politically motivated legal crackdown. The government has extended a nationwide ban on public gatherings through April 1, citing security concerns.
