Turkey Opposition Presidential Candidate Detention Sparks Escalating Protests... Over 1,100 Arrested

Erdogan Calls Protesters "Terrorists of the Streets"
Imamoglu Urges Supporters to "Avoid Clashes"

Protests are spreading in T?rkiye against the detention of a leading opposition presidential candidate.

On the 24th (local time), protesters in Istanbul, Turkey, are demonstrating against the detention of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

According to the Turkish Ministry of Interior on the 24th (local time), from the 19th to the 23rd, five days since Ekrem ?mamo?lu, the mayor of Istanbul from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), was arrested by police on charges of terrorism and corruption, 1,133 people were arrested for illegal activities during the protests.

The Ministry of Interior stated that protesters used Molotov cocktails, axes, knives, acidic liquids, and stones, injuring 123 police officers. The ministry announced that a significant number of those arrested were confirmed to be affiliated with terrorist organizations, and several had prior convictions for drug offenses, theft, fraud, and sexual violence. Ali Yerlikaya, Turkey's Minister of Interior, warned on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that "the rights to assembly and protest can be legally restricted for national security, public order, crime prevention, public health, and moral protection."

President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an of T?rkiye, in a video speech after the cabinet meeting that day, urged the CHP to "stop provoking citizens and disturbing peace," and challenged them, saying, "If you have the courage, respond to the allegations of corruption and bribery."

He described the protesters as "terrorists of the streets," raising his voice over "the opposition's responsibility for the damage to public property worth billions of lira, including property destruction, injured police officers, and broken shop windows." He also claimed that the detention of Mayor ?mamo?lu made it clear that the opposition cannot be entrusted with national governance or local administration.

On the 18th, ?mamo?lu's alma mater, Istanbul University, revoked his bachelor's degree due to a significant error found in his academic records, stripping him of the presidential eligibility granted only to university graduates. The next day, he was arrested by the police, followed by a court decision on the 23rd to extend his detention and the Ministry of Interior's suspension of his mayoral duties.

Turkish authorities have repeatedly stated their intention to respond firmly to the spreading protests in major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara.

However, the CHP's internal primary election held as scheduled the previous day attracted a record number of participants, becoming a major event. Mayor ?mamo?lu was elected as the presidential candidate with 15 million votes while in detention, showing increased unity within the opposition.

Mayor ?mamo?lu issued a statement appealing for peaceful protests regarding the rally scheduled that evening in front of Istanbul City Hall, urging, "Avoid clashes and treat soldiers and police officers kindly." He said, "Their fear has grown," and added, "We will represent the precious values of the Republic of T?rkiye and democracy."