Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Türkiye for the seventh consecutive night following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges. The mass protests—which have seen over 1,100 people arrested so far—underscore deep-seated public anger and a widespread belief that the detention of Imamoglu is a politically motivated maneuver by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to eliminate a key rival ahead of upcoming elections.
A Spark in the Midst of Political Tension
The unrest began last week during a critical period for the opposition. As voters headed to the polls for the Republican People’s Party (CHP) primary—aimed at selecting Imamoglu as the party’s candidate for the 2028 presidential race—news broke that the popular mayor had been detained for questioning. The allegations against Imamoglu range from corruption and bribery to claims of terror-related activities. While the prosecutor’s office has defended the arrest as legally justified, many see it as an attempt to sideline a figure who represents hope for a more democratic Türkiye.
READ MORE: Protests and Political Unrest in Türkiye After Arrest of Popular Mayor
At a prominent protest in Istanbul’s Sarachane Park, demonstrators clashed with heavily armed riot police. With chants calling for Imamoglu’s release and for justice to be served, opposition leaders delivered impassioned speeches from atop buses, urging citizens to continue their resistance despite the government’s bans on public gatherings.
The Government’s Stand
In a recent cabinet meeting in Ankara, President Erdoğan dismissed the accusations leveled by protesters as nothing more than “street terror.” He maintained that Türkiye’s judiciary is independent and that the arrest was carried out in line with established legal procedures. Erdoğan’s administration insists that the lengthy list of allegations—spanning from running a criminal organization to bid-rigging—justifies the detention of Imamoglu. However, opposition voices argue that these charges are a smokescreen designed to undermine democratic dissent.
Even as the government maintains its stance, opposition figures have voiced unwavering support for Imamoglu. CHP chairperson Ozgur Ozel declared that Tuesday’s planned event at Sarachane Park would be the last of the organized demonstrations at that location, yet he assured the public that new rallies would be set up elsewhere to keep the momentum going.
A Nationwide Movement
Protest activity is not confined to Istanbul. Demonstrations have spread across Türkiye, with protestors gathering in Ankara, university campuses, and even smaller cities despite a nationwide ban on public gatherings. Participants are not only demanding Imamoglu’s immediate release but are also calling for broader reforms to protect democratic rights and freedom of expression in Türkiye—a country where dissent has increasingly been met with heavy-handed tactics.
One university student at the epicenter of the protests in Istanbul told Reuters, “I think it will continue for a long time depending on how the people, police and the government react. I’ll try to come as much as I can … because the government has left us no justice.” These words capture the spirit of a movement that is growing bolder by the day, even as state authorities tighten security measures and increase arrests.
International and Domestic Reactions
The arrest and subsequent protests have drawn sharp criticism from international human rights groups and European leaders, who have denounced the move as an “assault on free speech” and an example of the government weaponizing the legal system to silence opposition. The Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner has called on Turkish authorities to release protesters detained “for the legitimate exercise of their human rights.”
Within Türkiye, the reaction has been equally fervent. Opposition parties, along with influential figures in civil society, insist that Imamoglu’s detention is part of a broader pattern of political repression under Erdoğan’s increasingly authoritarian rule. They argue that such measures not only undermine the democratic process but also damage Türkiye’s international reputation and the public’s trust in its judicial institutions.
The Political Stakes
At 53, Imamoglu has emerged as the most popular candidate among both secular and Islamic voters—a dual appeal that makes him a formidable challenge to Erdoğan. Professor Ahmet Kuru of San Diego State University described Imamoglu as “a symbol of unity” in a divided society, noting that his ability to connect with diverse segments of the electorate is precisely why he is viewed as a major threat to the current administration.
With nearly 15 million people, including about 13 million non-party voters, having shown support for Imamoglu through primary elections, his arrest is seen as a pivotal moment that could reshape the political landscape ahead of the next presidential election. Erdoğan, now 72 years old and without a clear successor, faces mounting pressure not only from within his party but also from a populace that increasingly demands transparency and accountability.
Economic and Social Backdrop
The political unrest is further complicated by Türkiye’s ongoing economic challenges. With inflation soaring and the national currency in decline, economic hardships add fuel to the fire of political dissent. Critics warn that continued suppression of opposition voices could deepen the economic crisis by discouraging foreign investment and eroding public confidence in government institutions.
As Erdoğan tightens his grip on power, the protests underscore a critical moment for Türkiye—a test of its commitment to democratic principles amid a backdrop of economic uncertainty and rising authoritarianism.
What Lies Ahead
The future remains uncertain. With authorities promising to clamp down on “street terror,” the protest movement faces the dual challenge of maintaining momentum while avoiding violent confrontations. Opposition leaders are determined to continue their demonstrations, promising to relocate rallies to alternative venues if necessary. Meanwhile, legal experts are closely watching the judicial process as Imamoglu faces trial on a raft of charges that many believe are politically motivated.
As Türkiye’s political and economic crises deepen, the outcome of these protests will have profound implications—not only for the fate of one popular mayor but also for the broader democratic trajectory of the country. The international community, too, is keeping a wary eye on events, as a failure to resolve the crisis could embolden right-wing populist movements in other parts of the world.
Conclusion
The protests and political unrest in Türkiye following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu represent a defining moment in the nation’s struggle for democracy. As demonstrators continue to flood the streets, defying bans and facing off against riot police, they signal a resounding demand for justice and transparency. For many, the movement is about more than just one man—it is a call for an end to the authoritarian practices that have long stifled dissent in Türkiye.
With widespread domestic support and international attention, the coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether the Turkish government will back down or intensify its crackdown on opposition voices. In a country at a crossroads, the resolve of the people may well decide the future of its democratic institutions.
