Protests Against President Erdoğan for the Release of Istanbul’s Mayor Continue for the 7th Day

Protests Against President Erdoğan for the Release of Istanbul’s Mayor Continue for the 7th Day

Istanbul, March 25: Protests across Turkey demanding the release of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu continue for the seventh consecutive day, with opposition parties and the general public taking to the streets. Thousands of people participate daily in these demonstrations, which are now being regarded as the largest opposition movement in the past decade.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated on Monday that the opposition protests are merely a "show" that will soon fade away. However, since İmamoğlu’s arrest, thousands of people have been gathering every night in Turkey’s streets, squares, and university campuses, chanting slogans against the government and demanding his release, as well as justice and democratic rights.

Protesters, opposition political parties, European leaders, and human rights organizations have condemned İmamoğlu’s arrest as politically motivated and undemocratic.

Despite a ban on protests, demonstrations have largely remained peaceful, except for nighttime clashes between protesters and police, where batons and pepper spray have been used. So far, over 1,400 individuals have been arrested. A university student protesting at Saraçhane Park in Istanbul stated, "The government has denied us justice, so I will try to come as much as possible. At first, I was scared and thought I might get arrested, but now I am no longer afraid."

However, the main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), announced that their protest at Saraçhane Park would conclude on Tuesday, with plans to launch a new movement afterward.

President Erdoğan has labeled the protests as "street terrorism." Since suppressing the 2013 Gezi Park protests, his government has tolerated very little criticism. During a cabinet meeting on Monday, Erdoğan claimed that CHP was inciting citizens to protest and that they would regret harming the country in the future.

Meanwhile, CHP leader Özgür Özel confirmed that Tuesday’s protest at Saraçhane Park would mark the end of the current demonstration but also the beginning of a new struggle. He stated, "This protest will be an unprecedented conclusion and the beginning of a new movement."

To reassure Turkey’s economy and international investors, the government has stated that it will take all necessary measures.