On Friday, Özgür Özel, leader of Turkey’s opposition party CHP, called for peaceful protests nationwide following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The arrest, which took place on Wednesday, has sparked widespread controversy, with critics accusing the government of politically motivated actions. İmamoğlu faces charges of corruption and alleged ties to a terrorist organization. His detention has led to escalating protests, with demonstrations occurring across major Turkish cities. In response, the CHP announced plans for a nationwide symbolic vote to show solidarity with the mayor and to challenge what they view as an abuse of power.
Background on İmamoğlu’s Arrest and CHP’s Response
The arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key figure in Turkey’s opposition, took place early Wednesday morning when police detained him in a surprise raid. Authorities accused the mayor of corruption and links to a terrorist organization. Alongside İmamoğlu, several other high-profile members of the opposition CHP were also arrested, including two district mayors. This move has further heightened political tensions in Turkey, already strained by recent elections and deepening divides between the ruling party and opposition forces.
Özgür Özel, leader of the CHP, immediately condemned the arrest, calling it a direct attack on democracy and a politically motivated attempt to silence the opposition. Özel called on citizens to take to the streets, urging them to participate in peaceful protests to defend their constitutional rights against what he described as growing injustice. “We invite people to peacefully demonstrate and defend their constitutional rights,” Özel stated. “We are not the ones filling the streets—your lawlessness forces people to take to the streets.”
Protests Erupt Across Turkey Amid Crackdowns
Since İmamoğlu’s detention, protests have erupted across Turkey, with thousands rallying outside Istanbul’s City Hall and in other major cities such as Ankara and Izmir. The demonstrations have been met with a heavy-handed response from the authorities. On Thursday night, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters at the Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ) in Ankara, leading to clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
Despite these confrontations, the Interior Ministry denied accusations of officers using rubber bullets, although reports indicated over 50 arrests and 16 police officers injured during the unrest. In response to the escalating protests, local authorities in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir imposed five-day bans on protests, citing public order concerns. However, this move has drawn criticism from the opposition, with many pointing out the contradiction between the right to peaceful assembly and government actions to prevent such protests.
In an effort to show solidarity with İmamoğlu and to continue challenging the government’s actions, the CHP announced plans for a nationwide symbolic vote on Sunday. Ballot boxes will be placed across Turkey, allowing citizens to participate in this non-binding vote as a show of support for the mayor and the broader movement against the government’s increasingly authoritarian measures.
Government Defends Arrests, Warns Against Unrest
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan defended the actions of the authorities, framing the arrests as part of an ongoing anti-corruption effort. Erdoğan accused the opposition of exploiting the situation to create chaos and disrupt the country. “We won’t let a small group disrupt our country in the name of protecting corruption,” Erdoğan declared, emphasizing the government’s commitment to law and order.
The president also warned against escalating tensions on the streets, suggesting that opting for public protests over legal processes would be an irresponsible and defiant act. “Choosing the streets over the courts,” Erdoğan said, “is not a way forward.”
Government officials have repeatedly stressed that Turkey’s judiciary operates independently and that the charges against İmamoğlu are not politically motivated. However, many in the opposition view the case as an attempt to neutralize a potential challenger to Erdoğan’s political power.
Political Implications for İmamoğlu and the Upcoming Election
The arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu carries significant political implications. He had been widely expected to be nominated as the CHP’s presidential candidate for the 2028 election. His detention and potential charges of links to the PKK, a Kurdish militant group recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies, have raised concerns about his future in politics. Analysts suggest that if İmamoğlu is formally charged, he could be removed from office and replaced by a government-appointed trustee, further consolidating Erdoğan’s control over Istanbul and other major cities.
As tensions continue to rise, Turkey remains at a political crossroads. With the CHP calling for peaceful protests and a symbolic vote, the opposition is mobilizing its supporters to resist what they see as an attempt to suppress dissent. The situation is evolving quickly, with the coming days expected to be critical in shaping the political landscape leading up to future elections.
As protests spread and Turkey’s political climate becomes increasingly polarized, the international community watches closely. While the government defends its actions as necessary for maintaining order, the CHP and its supporters view them as part of a broader pattern of authoritarianism aimed at silencing opposition. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether peaceful demonstrations will continue or whether tensions will escalate further.
