Istanbul: For a second night in a row, protesters took to the streets across Turkey after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who is being investigated for corruption and terrorism-related charges.
On Thursday, demonstrators gathered outside Istanbul’s City Hall, with some clashing with police as they attempted to march towards Taksim Square, a historically significant protest site. In Ankara, police used water cannons to disperse crowds at Middle East Technical University, while smaller demonstrations took place in Izmir and Adana.
Imamoglu, a key figure in the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), was detained in an early-morning raid on Wednesday, just days before he was expected to declare his candidacy for the 2028 presidential election. Authorities also arrested several prominent individuals, including journalists, business figures, and municipal employees.
The mayor is facing multiple accusations, including bribery, fraud, and extortion, as well as claims of collaborating with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) during past elections. The PKK is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey and has waged a long-standing insurgency for Kurdish independence.
Adding to Imamoglu’s legal troubles, a Turkish university recently revoked his diploma over alleged irregularities, potentially barring him from running for office. These charges contribute to an expanding series of investigations against him, some dating back to 2022.
Despite a four-day government-imposed protest ban, demonstrations are expected to continue through the weekend. Speaking at a rally outside City Hall, CHP leader Ozgur Ozel encouraged supporters to persist in their protests but urged them to remain peaceful.
Public outrage has also spilled onto social media, with over 18.6 million posts related to Imamoglu’s detention within 24 hours. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that authorities had identified 261 accounts accused of inciting unrest, leading to the detention of 37 individuals.
Financial markets reacted strongly to Imamoglu’s arrest, with trading briefly halted on Wednesday to prevent panic selling. Meanwhile, the Turkish lira plunged to a record low.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) have stood by the mayor’s detention. Party spokesperson Omer Celik urged the opposition to allow the legal process to unfold, stating that no political figure has access to the details of the ongoing investigation.
