Mass Protests Against President Erdoğan in Turkey Nationwide, Nearly 1,900 Arrested in Police Raids

Mass Protests Against President Erdoğan in Turkey Nationwide, Nearly 1,900 Arrested in Police Raids

Istanbul, Turkey – Following the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's main rival, widespread protests have erupted across Turkey. İmamoğlu, the Mayor of Istanbul and a political opponent of Erdoğan, was arrested on corruption charges. Many have claimed that these charges are politically motivated, with accusations such as support for terrorism also being raised. While the government speaks of judicial independence, critics argue that the charges are based on confidential witness testimony, questioning its credibility.

Student Protests and Police Attacks
On Thursday morning, students gathered at the gate of the Middle East Technical University (METU) to protest and attempt to deliver a statement. However, security forces used pepper spray, water cannons, and plastic pipettes against them. At one point, the students took refuge behind a dumpster barricade, but when the police attempted to detain them, tensions escalated. Republican People's Party (CHP) member Melih Meriç, an associate of İmamoğlu, was also attacked during this incident.

Arrests Rise to 1,900
Turkey's Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, reported that nearly 1,900 people had been arrested during the protests over the past eight days. Of these, 1,879 were detained, and 260 were held in prison during their trials. Another 468 were released under judicial control, and 662 others are under investigation. The police stated that many of the arrests were due to drug-related offenses and assault charges, but there were also allegations of resisting the police and participating in protests.

Pressure on Media
Meanwhile, Turkey's broadcasting authority imposed a 10-day broadcasting ban on the opposition channel, Sözcü TV, accusing it of inciting hatred and hostility among the public prior to İmamoğlu's arrest. Other media outlets expressing opposition views have also been fined and had their programs suspended.

İmamoğlu's Situation
İmamoğlu, the Mayor of Istanbul, was arrested during a raid on his home early Wednesday morning and was sent to prison. He faces charges of corruption and aiding terrorist activities. İmamoğlu, seen as Erdoğan's primary rival in the 2028 elections, has had the charges widely viewed as politically motivated.

Protests and Human Rights Situation
This incident is seen as part of the broader protest against the erosion of Turkey’s democratic system and the growing authoritarianism. As the country's economic situation worsens, protesters have taken to the streets demanding more freedom and democracy in Turkey.

Amid Turkey’s ongoing political instability and protests, many human rights activists and journalists have been arrested for participating in or reporting on the protests.