Large-scale anti-government protests have erupted in Turkey, triggered by the imprisonment of the Mayor of Istanbul. Despite mass arrests and clashes with demonstrators by the police, protesters have stated their intention to continue their demonstrations. This event highlights the growing discontent with the current administration.
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03-26, 2025The protests began last week when Ekrem İmamoğlu, President Erdoğan's main rival, was detained on corruption charges just days before he was expected to be confirmed as a presidential candidate. Protesters, opposition parties, European leaders, and human rights organizations have condemned the move as politically motivated and a violation of democracy. This has further intensified the political tensions in the country.
İmamoğlu's arrest prompted tens of thousands of people across the country to gather in squares, streets, and university campuses, chanting slogans against Erdoğan. They are calling for İmamoğlu's release and for improvements in Turkey's human rights record. The protests have become the largest anti-government demonstrations in Turkey in a decade, reflecting a deep-seated frustration among the population.
Although authorities issued a ban on gatherings, most of the demonstrations have been peaceful. Police have arrested more than 1,100 people in connection with the unrest. At the main protest in Istanbul's Saraçhane Park, most people were cheering for speeches by opposition leaders, while others stood 200 meters away, chanting slogans and facing off against hundreds of riot police in white helmets. The police presence underscores the government's attempt to control the situation.
“I think the protests will last a long time, depending on the reaction of the people, the police, and the government,” said a university student. “I will participate as much as I can, because the government has not left us any justice.” He also added, "I was scared when I came for the first time, thinking we would be arrested. But now I am not afraid." His statement reflects the growing defiance among the protesters.
Others told Reuters that they expected daily protests to continue, although the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) said Tuesday would be the last day of planned activities at Saraçhane Park. The ongoing protests pose a significant challenge to Erdoğan, who has tried to label them as "street terrorism." He has shown little tolerance for criticism from the streets since authorities violently suppressed large-scale anti-government Gezi Park protests in 2013.
Following a cabinet meeting in Ankara, the President accused the Republican People's Party of inciting citizens and predicted that once their "show" was over, they would be ashamed of the "evil" they had caused the country. The government denies any political interference and says the judiciary is independent. The Republican People's Party (CHP) has repeatedly urged people to take to the streets in recent days, echoing Mayor İmamoğlu's call on Sunday, after he was imprisoned pending trial on corruption charges he denies.
Republican People's Party Chairman Özgür Özel, who has been giving hoarse speeches from a bus in Saraçhane Park every night, said Tuesday's final event there would be both "a great ending and a great beginning for new rallies," and vowed to continue the fight. He did not reveal specific plans, but said he would continue to stay overnight at the municipality until the Republican People's Party-majority council elects an acting mayor on Wednesday. His words suggest a strategic shift in the opposition's approach.
On Monday in Saraçhane, a doctor said he hoped to also attend demonstrations in the coming days at the Silivri prison, where the mayor is being held in a jail outside the city. “I hope the protests never stop,” he said. “We came here because of justice and democracy, because we don’t believe we live in a democratic country.” His sentiment highlights the protesters' core demands and their disillusionment with the current political system.
Elsewhere in Istanbul on Monday night, a sit-in protest briefly blocked all traffic on the 19th-century Galata Bridge, which spans the Golden Horn waterway. Students have been a major driving force behind the civil disobedience movement since Monday, with many boycotting university classes. Academics at many universities held a one-day protest strike on Tuesday, demonstrating solidarity with the students and the broader protest movement.
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty on Monday called on Turkish authorities to immediately release those protesters who have been detained "for legitimately exercising their human rights." His statement adds international pressure on Turkey regarding the treatment of protesters.
