Istanbul (Agencies): Turkish authorities have detained more than 1,000 individuals during protests sparked by the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed on Monday that 1,133 people were detained between March 19 and March 23, with some reportedly linked to 12 different terrorist organizations.
Imamoglu, who was detained last Wednesday, faces corruption charges, which he denies. His arrest has triggered widespread demonstrations across Turkey, including in Istanbul and Ankara, with protesters decrying the move as politically motivated. Authorities have banned protests in Istanbul and closed roads to maintain public order and prevent “provocative actions.”
The protests have resulted in injuries to over 120 police officers, with objects such as acid, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails reportedly seized. Yerlikaya issued a stern warning to the opposition, stating, “Let no one try to use our youth and our people as a shield for their own political ambitions.”
President Erdogan labeled the protests a “movement of violence” and accused the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) of inciting unrest. Meanwhile, CHP leader Özgür Özel defended the demonstrators, emphasizing their commitment to democracy and rights preservation.
Imamoglu, widely regarded as Erdogan’s most formidable rival, was arrested just days before he was expected to be named the CHP’s candidate for the 2028 presidential election. Critics argue that his detention marks a significant escalation in Erdogan’s crackdown on dissent, with over 100 others connected to Imamoglu also detained.
The mayor’s arrest has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and activists, who view it as a dangerous turning point for Turkey’s democracy. Imamoglu remains in custody, pending trial, as protests continue to unfold nationwide.