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Imamoglu’s Arrest Sparks Nationwide Protests, Mass Detentions in Turkiye
Turkiye erupts in mass protests after opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu is jailed on graft charges. CHP and rights groups call it a political move to eliminate Erdogan’s biggest rival.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-27
Imamoglu’s Arrest Sparks Nationwide Protests, Mass Detentions in Turkiye

Istanbul – Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s strongest political rival, was jailed on Sunday pending trial on corruption charges. His arrest has ignited the largest anti-government protests in a decade, leading to mass detentions across Turkiye.

Imamoglu, a key figure in the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), was also dismissed from his mayoral position following the court decision. His supporters, along with human rights organizations and Western governments, have denounced the case as a politically motivated attempt to remove him from the upcoming presidential race.

The Turkish government, however, denies any interference in the judiciary. Speaking to international media, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc defended the arrest, stating that the charges were serious and justified his detention.

“If we look at the gravity of the allegations, and as there is a risk that evidence can be concealed, the judiciary has made a reasonable decision,” Tunc said.

Despite these claims, CHP has vowed to continue nationwide protests, organizing rallies across major cities. Erdogan dismissed the demonstrations as a "show" and warned of legal consequences for participants.

According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, 1,879 individuals have been detained since the protests began last Wednesday. Out of these, 260 remain in custody pending trial, while 489 were released. Meanwhile, 150 police officers have reportedly been injured during the clashes.

Rights groups have condemned the Turkish government for excessive police force against largely peaceful protesters. International watchdogs and Western leaders have also criticized the arrest as a sign of democratic backsliding in the country.

Adding to the controversy, Imamoglu’s arrest came just days before his expected announcement as CHP’s presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. The move follows a series of legal actions targeting opposition figures in recent months.

Erdogan, despite making multiple accusations of corruption against CHP and its municipal administrations, has claimed he was not informed about Imamoglu’s case due to legal confidentiality.

In a separate development, a university annulled Imamoglu’s diploma a day before his arrest—raising further questions about the timing and legitimacy of the charges against him.

Turkiye’s press freedom has also come under scrutiny after the detention of seven journalists covering the protests, including a photojournalist from Agence France-Presse (AFP). Justice Minister Tunc dismissed concerns about press restrictions, insisting that Turkiye does not jail reporters. However, Reporters Without Borders ranked Turkiye 158th out of 180 countries in its 2024 Press Freedom Index, citing heavy government influence over media.

With tensions escalating, the opposition continues to mobilize its supporters, demanding Imamoglu’s release and calling for an end to what they claim is an orchestrated attack on democracy.
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