In a volatile display of dissent, Turkish protesters clashed with police in Istanbul as they rallied against the detention of Istanbul mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. The mayor was arrested in a controversial raid on his home just days before his opposition party was set to nominate him as its candidate for the upcoming presidential election.
Alongside Imamoglu, several of his senior aides and district mayors were also detained, totaling over 100 arrests. The Turkish government justified the mass arrests by accusing the individuals of corruption and alleged ties to terrorism. In response to the crackdown, the government imposed a ban on protests in Istanbul for four days and limited access to social media platforms.
Despite being in custody, Imamoglu managed to convey a message to his supporters through a handwritten note on social media, expressing his resolve against the alleged “lies, plots, and traps” aimed at undermining his political career. The mayor’s detainment has sparked outrage among Turkish citizens and fueled further demonstrations in Istanbul.
The clash between protesters and police illustrates the immense political tensions currently gripping Turkey, with Imamoglu’s detention heightening concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms in the country. As the situation unfolds, the Turkish people’s response to these actions will undoubtedly shape the future of their nation’s political landscape.
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Video “LIVE: Turkish protesters clash with police in Istanbul” was uploaded on 03/20/2025 to Youtube Channel The Times and The Sunday Times