Amidst escalating tension in Istanbul, protesters have taken to the streets in response to the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the city’s mayor and a prominent critic of President Erdogan’s government. The demonstrations, which have been ongoing for five consecutive nights, have resulted in the arrest of over 1,000 individuals.
According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, the protests have turned violent, with reports of acid, petrol bombs, axes, and knives being used by demonstrators. Some of those detained are facing charges related to attacking police, damaging public property, and posing threats to public safety. Yerlikaya also stated that individuals connected to various terrorist organizations had been among those apprehended, and that 123 police officers had sustained injuries during the unrest.
The arrest of Imamoglu, who has been a vocal critic of Erdogan’s long-standing rule, has sparked outrage and dissent among citizens in Istanbul. The protests serve as a stark display of the growing dissatisfaction with the ruling government and its handling of political dissent.
The situation in Istanbul remains tense as protesters continue to demand the release of Imamoglu and an end to what they perceive as government persecution. The ongoing demonstrations underscore the deep divisions within Turkish society and the increasing pressure on Erdogan’s administration to address the concerns of its citizens.
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Video “LIVE: Protesters march through Istanbul after Imamoglu detention” was uploaded on 03/24/2025 to Youtube Channel The Times and The Sunday Times