Turks Take to the Streets in Protest as Erdogan Tightens Grip
Istanbul. Thousands of Turks have taken to the streets for three consecutive days, protesting the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul’s opposition mayor and a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of the next presidential election. The mass protests, which continued despite government bans, saw over 300,000 people gather in Istanbul alone on Friday evening.
Erdogan harshly denounced these demonstrations as „street terrorism“ and ominously hinted at potential bans targeting opposition parties such as Imamoglu’s Republican People’s Party (CHP). Meanwhile, the Turkish Interior Ministry reported that 343 individuals were arrested during overnight protests across various cities. Tragic confrontations ensued when police utilized tear gas and pepper spray against protesters.
Imamoglu was among those detained in a sweeping operation on Wednesday along with 89 others accused of corruption and terror-related activities. He faces charges linked to the banned Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK), which could result in his removal from office, a political career ban, or lengthy imprisonment if convicted. Imamoglu’s legal team has appealed for public support through social media platforms like X to help quell this perceived coup attempt.
Despite these challenges, the CHP remains committed to nominating Imamoglu as their presidential candidate at an upcoming membership vote scheduled for Sunday. The party encourages citizens across Turkey to participate in a symbolic vote expressing solidarity with Imamoglu and rejecting authoritarian measures under Erdogan’s rule.
Imamoglu’s rise from relative obscurity to becoming Istanbul’s mayor in 2019 marked a significant shift, not only politically but also personally for Erdogan who started his career there. Recent polls suggest that Imamoglu could pose a serious challenge to the long-standing leader during the next presidential election set for 2028.
Erdogan’s authoritarian control over Turkey has deepened since he secured sweeping constitutional reforms in 2017, concentrating power in his hands and suppressing dissent through media censorship and legal maneuvers. With widespread allegations of corruption hanging over him, Erdogan views Imamoglu’s ascendance as a threat to his grip on the presidency.
International criticism from Europe and elsewhere rings hollow amid Turkey’s strategic importance for NATO security concerns and its role in hosting millions of refugees fleeing conflicts. Yet, with little leverage against Erdogan, Western allies remain wary about endorsing further democratic reforms within this critical ally nation.
