Türkiye is witnessing a second consecutive night of protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in a pre-dawn raid on Wednesday.
The move, which comes just days before he was expected to announce his candidacy for the 2028 presidential election, has triggered widespread unrest across the country, with opposition figures calling for continued demonstrations despite a government-imposed four-day ban.
Demonstrations erupted outside Istanbul’s City Hall on Thursday, where protesters clashed with police as they attempted to march toward Taksim Square, a historically significant site for political rallies.
Similar scenes unfolded in Ankara, where security forces used water cannons to disperse students gathered at the Middle East Technical University. Smaller rallies were reported in Izmir, Adana, and several other cities, reflecting growing public anger over the mayor’s detention.
Who is Ekrem Imamoglu?
Ekrem Imamoglu, 53, is a key figure in Türkiye’s opposition politics. A member of the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), he rose to prominence after securing a landmark victory in Istanbul’s mayoral election in 2019, defeating the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) candidate twice after an initial result was annulled.
His win was seen as a significant setback for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had long viewed Istanbul as a stronghold of his political influence.
Since assuming office, Imamoglu has positioned himself as a vocal critic of Erdogan’s government, advocating for transparency, democratic reforms, and stronger local governance. His growing popularity, particularly among young and urban voters, has made him one of the strongest contenders to challenge the AKP’s dominance in future elections.
His detention is part of a broader corruption and terrorism investigation, with charges including bribery, extortion, corruption, aggravated fraud, and illegally obtaining personal data for profit as part of a criminal organisation. He is also accused of collaborating with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) during past municipal elections.
The PKK, which has been engaged in an armed insurgency since the 1980s, is designated as a terrorist organisation by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union. Allegations of links between opposition figures and the PKK have often been used as a legal and political tool to sideline critics of Erdogan’s government.
Why are protests erupting?
The mayor’s sudden arrest has been perceived as a politically motivated move aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of future elections. Imamoglu's supporters argue that the charges are part of a broader crackdown on political dissent, echoing concerns that have been raised in previous cases involving opposition figures, journalists, and activists.
The protests have gained momentum despite a four-day demonstration ban imposed by the government. Addressing a rally outside Istanbul’s City Hall on Thursday evening, CHP leader Ozgur Ozel called on the public to defy the restrictions.
“Yes, I am calling the people to the streets,” he said, urging demonstrators to remain peaceful while demanding justice.
Social media has also played a crucial role in mobilising opposition, with Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stating that over 18.6 million posts related to Imamoglu’s detention were shared within 24 hours. Authorities have since detained 37 individuals accused of inciting unrest online.
Economic and political implications
Imamoglu’s arrest has sent shockwaves through Türkiye’s financial markets. Trading was briefly halted on Wednesday to prevent panic selling, while the Turkish lira fell to a record low. Investors fear that escalating political instability could further strain an economy already grappling with high inflation and a depreciating currency.
International observers have also expressed concern over the political climate in Türkiye. The European Union and human rights organisations have previously criticised the country’s judiciary for its perceived lack of independence, citing the increasing use of legal cases to target opposition politicians.
Despite growing backlash, President Erdogan’s government has defended the mayor’s detention. AKP spokesperson Omer Celik urged the opposition to respect the legal process, stating, “What a politician should do is follow the judicial process. None of us have any information about the content of the [criminal] file.”
What’s next?
With protests showing no signs of abating, Türkiye’s political landscape remains tense. Imamoglu’s legal troubles add to the already growing list of opposition leaders facing prosecution, fueling concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms in the country.
