- More than 1,100 people detained amid ongoing protests in Turkey.
- Imamoglu, Erdogan’s main rival, jailed on corruption charges.
- Protests continue for five consecutive nights despite street gathering bans.
- 123 police officers injured in clashes during protests.
- Journalists, including AFP staff, among those detained during coverage.
Turkey is experiencing its biggest protests in over a decade after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Erdogan’s main rival. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said authorities have detained 1,133 people since the protests began five days ago. The unrest escalated after a court ordered Imamoglu jailed pending trial.
Imamoglu, a key opposition figure, is accused of corruption, but he denies the charges. His supporters believe the case is politically motivated to weaken him.
On Sunday, a court ruled to keep him in jail until trial, sparking even more outrage among his followers and opposition leaders.
Calling the accusations “unimaginable” and “slanderous,” Imamoglu’s allies strongly condemned his arrest. In response, the CHP organized protests nationwide, demanding his immediate release. The situation remains tense, with demonstrators rallying across Turkey against what they see as an attack on democracy.
Protests Spread Despite Government Crackdown
Despite bans on public gatherings in many Turkish cities, protests have continued for a fifth consecutive night, with demonstrators taking to the streets in large numbers. The protests have remained mostly peaceful, although violence has flared in certain areas. Over 123 police officers have been injured as clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement.
Yerlikaya emphasized that the government would not tolerate any disruption to public order. “We will not allow the terrorizing of the streets,” he declared, reinforcing the government’s tough stance on the protests. While many demonstrators have shown restraint, the government’s response has included heavy police presence and the detention of individuals suspected of participating in the protests.
Journalists Detained During Coverage
The protests have also sparked concerns about press freedom in Turkey, with nine journalists among those detained. The Journalists’ Union of Turkey reported that the detained journalists were covering the overnight protests in several cities, including an AFP photographer. The reasons for their detention remain unclear, raising suspicions about the government’s attempts to control media coverage of the unrest.
The detentions have drawn sharp criticism from local and international media organizations, which view them as an assault on press freedom. The Turkish government has not publicly commented on the specific reasons for the arrests of journalists, though critics believe the move is a part of broader efforts to suppress independent reporting.
Public Reactions: Voices of Protest and Discontent
Imamoglu’s arrest has deeply upset many Turkish citizens, as they see it as a clear case of injustice in the political system. Many believe he was unfairly targeted. “I think there is an injustice committed against Imamoglu. They put the man in prison for no reason,” said Adem Bali, a 22-year-old construction worker. Likewise, 50-year-old Cigdem Tatlica voiced her frustration, saying, “This system cannot continue like this.”
Because of these concerns, many protesters have taken to the streets. They believe the ruling government is weakening the judicial system and trying to silence opposition voices.
Although the protests have remained mostly peaceful, they have become a powerful symbol of growing discontent. More and more people are standing up against what they see as unfair political tactics.
Meanwhile, President Erdogan has defended the legal process. He insists that the charges against Imamoglu are legitimate and have nothing to do with politics.
In addition, government spokesperson Omer Celik has criticized the opposition party, CHP, for fueling the protests. He claims CHP is using the demonstrations to distract from its own shortcomings. “Democratic protest is a fundamental right, but the language used by the CHP is not the language of democratic protest,” Celik said on Monday.
At the same time, Erdogan has made it clear that he won’t tolerate any threat to public order. He has warned that any disruption will face consequences.
While his supporters argue that Turkey’s judicial system is independent and working properly, critics strongly disagree. They believe Imamoglu’s case is nothing more than a political move designed to crush opposition.
As protests spread across Turkey, Imamoglu’s arrest has only deepened divisions within the country’s political landscape. Thousands of people have joined demonstrations, demanding justice and fair treatment for the opposition leader. His supporters refuse to back down, but the government remains firm in its stance. Neither side seems willing to compromise.
Looking ahead, these protests could leave a lasting impact on Turkish politics. They have already raised serious concerns about freedom of expression and judicial independence.
For now, the unrest shows no sign of slowing down. Protesters continue to demand justice, fairness, and real change in the political system.