Turkey is facing international criticism after detaining nearly 1,900 protesters in response to the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The arrest, which many view as politically motivated, has ignited the largest anti-government demonstrations in a decade. Despite growing condemnation from Western leaders and human rights groups, the Turkish government remains defiant, dismissing concerns as “prejudiced” and insisting the judiciary acted independently.
İmamoğlu’s Arrest: A Politically Charged Case?
Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key opposition figure and a major challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was jailed on graft charges last Sunday. His detention came just days before he was expected to be announced as the Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) candidate for the 2028 presidential elections. The move has been widely seen as an attempt to sideline a strong rival ahead of the next vote.
Opposition parties, human rights organizations, and Western governments argue that the charges against İmamoğlu are baseless and serve as a tool to suppress political dissent. His dismissal from office has only fueled speculation that the Turkish government is tightening its grip on power by removing potential electoral threats.
Mass Protests and Government Crackdown
Since the mayor’s arrest, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Istanbul and other cities, demanding his release and condemning what they see as a weakening democracy. The demonstrations, largely peaceful, have been met with a heavy police crackdown. According to Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, nearly 1,900 people have been detained so far, with 260 of them jailed pending trial. He also reported that 150 police officers were injured in clashes with demonstrators.
Despite government warnings and mass arrests, the CHP has called on citizens to continue protesting, organizing rallies and demonstrations across the country. Erdoğan has dismissed the protests as mere theatrics, warning of legal consequences for those involved.
International Reaction and Press Freedom Concerns
Western governments and human rights organizations have condemned the Turkish government’s handling of the situation. Many see İmamoğlu’s arrest as part of a broader pattern of democratic backsliding, especially given the increasing suppression of opposition voices.
The crackdown has also raised serious concerns about press freedom. Several journalists covering the protests were arrested, including a photojournalist from Agence France-Presse (AFP). Although they were later released, Turkey continues to face criticism for its restrictive media environment. The country ranks 158th out of 180 in the 2024 Press Freedom Index, with around 90% of its media under government control.
Government’s Response and Future Implications
Turkish Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç defended İmamoğlu’s arrest, stating that the judiciary acted solely on legal grounds, not political pressure. He argued that the charges were serious and that the mayor’s detention was necessary to prevent evidence from being concealed. He also rejected claims that Erdoğan was personally involved in the decision, stating that the president was not informed due to the case’s confidentiality.
However, the timing of the arrest—just before İmamoğlu’s expected candidacy announcement—has led many to believe otherwise. The move follows a series of legal actions against opposition figures, signaling a growing trend of government repression.
As Turkey heads towards the 2028 elections, the political landscape is becoming increasingly volatile. The mass protests and international backlash indicate a deepening divide between the government and its critics. Whether this will lead to further unrest or a shift in Turkey’s political future remains to be seen.
