Rudolph Angler Özgür Özel, the leader of Turkey’s main opposition party, renewed his call for peaceful protests on Friday after the controversial arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu. İmamoğlu was detained during a dawn raid on Wednesday, with authorities accusing him of corruption and alleged ties to a terrorist group. The arrest is widely viewed as politically motivated, targeting a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ahead of the 2028 elections. In response, opposition figures have called for peaceful demonstrations across the country, despite the government’s efforts to curb unrest.
Protests Erupt Across Turkey
Since İmamoğlu’s arrest, protests have spread to multiple cities, with nightly rallies in front of Istanbul’s city hall, and demonstrations also taking place in Ankara and Izmir. Opposition leaders, including Özgür Özel, have urged citizens to stage peaceful and constitutional protests to demand their democratic rights. He emphasized, “We are not the ones filling the streets. Your injustice has driven people to protest.”
The protests began after the dawn raid on Wednesday, where İmamoğlu was taken into custody, along with two district mayors and several other opposition figures. The government has accused the detained individuals of corruption and affiliation with terrorist groups, allegations that many believe are politically motivated. Supporters argue that the timing of the arrests, ahead of the 2028 presidential elections, is an attempt to weaken the opposition and silence potential rivals to President Erdoğan.
Government’s Response to Protests
Police have responded forcefully to the demonstrations, with clashes reported in several cities. On Thursday night, law enforcement in Ankara used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds at Middle East Technical University. Protesters claimed that police fired rubber bullets at them, though the Interior Ministry denied these allegations.
Authorities reported that over 50 individuals were arrested, with 16 police officers injured during the unrest. In light of the growing protests, Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir authorities issued five-day protest bans, seeking to prevent further escalation. Despite these efforts, the opposition continues to mobilize.
Symbolic Election to Show Solidarity with İmamoğlu
In an act of defiance, the Republican People’s Party (CHP) has announced plans for a symbolic election this Sunday. Citizens across Turkey will be invited to vote in unofficial ballot boxes to express solidarity with Ekrem İmamoğlu. The symbolic election is designed to show the public’s support for İmamoğlu’s political career and challenge the government’s actions.
President Erdoğan Denies Political Motives
President Erdoğan has dismissed claims that İmamoğlu’s arrest is politically motivated, calling the operation a legitimate anti-corruption effort. In a statement on Friday, Erdoğan accused the opposition of protecting lawlessness and collaborating with marginal groups. He also warned protesters, saying, “We won’t let a small group stir chaos to protect their looting schemes.”
Erdoğan criticized the opposition for calling people to the streets instead of using legal channels, labeling it as “a grave irresponsibility.” The Turkish government maintains that the judiciary acts independently, rejecting any suggestions of political interference in İmamoğlu’s case.
Legal Situation of İmamoğlu
As of Friday, authorities began questioning İmamoğlu, who may be detained for up to four days without formal charges being filed. The arrest has raised concerns that İmamoğlu could be removed from office if formally linked to the banned PKK terrorist group, with the possibility of a government-appointed trustee replacing him.
Analysts warn that if İmamoğlu faces formal charges, it could have significant consequences not only for his political career but also for the opposition’s efforts to challenge Erdoğan’s dominance in Turkish politics.
The arrest of Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has sparked widespread protests and raised serious questions about the independence of Turkey’s judiciary and the government’s motivations. Opposition leaders, including Özgür Özel, are calling for peaceful demonstrations to demand justice. Despite government efforts to suppress the protests, the political climate in Turkey continues to grow increasingly tense as the 2028 elections approach. The unfolding situation could have a lasting impact on Turkey’s political landscape, as citizens rally to defend their democratic rights.