Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the growing protests in Turkey, following the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition figure. Erdogan declared on Friday that his government would not “surrender” to “vandalism” or “street terror” ahead of further protests, insisting that disruptions to public order would not be tolerated.
Imamoglu, who is from the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), was detained on Wednesday on charges of corruption and aiding terrorist groups, just days before he was expected to be nominated as a presidential candidate. His arrest has sparked widespread protests across Turkey, with demonstrators defying a ban on public gatherings.
The protests marked their third day on Friday, despite heavy police presence and the interior minister reporting that 53 individuals were arrested during the previous day’s demonstrations. Thousands of protesters gathered in Istanbul, where clashes with riot police broke out. Riot officers used rubber bullets and pepper spray to disperse the crowds, and similar confrontations were reported in Izmir.
Imamoglu’s arrest comes amid a broader crackdown on opposition figures, journalists, and activists in Turkey. Opposition leaders argue that the arrests are politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissent ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Imamoglu, who won a second term as Istanbul mayor last year, is seen as one of Erdogan’s most formidable political rivals.
In response to the protests, authorities imposed a four-day ban on gatherings in Istanbul, which was later extended to Ankara and Izmir as demonstrations spread. The government has also accused opposition leaders of inciting unrest, with the interior minister criticizing those fueling public anger online. Authorities reported the arrest of 54 individuals for spreading hate speech, and 16 police officers were injured during the protests.
As the political tensions rise, Imamoglu’s party, the CHP, is preparing for a key election this weekend, where members will vote for the party’s presidential candidate. Imamoglu, who remains a central figure in Turkish politics, is the sole candidate running for the position, and the CHP is urging citizens to participate in symbolic elections to show their support for the detained mayor.
