On Saturday afternoon (March 22, 2025), the courthouse in Istanbul became the epicenter of a dramatic scene as thousands of supporters of Ekrem İmamoğlu gathered to protest against his detention. The former mayor of Istanbul faces charges of terrorism and corruption. Despite the heavy police presence, tensions escalated into violent clashes as demonstrators grew increasingly unruly. Protesters carried Turkish flags and banners demanding İmamoğlu’s release. As night fell, images of police using chemical agents to disperse the crowds spread globally. Reuters photographers captured scenes of chaos, showing officers deploying tear gas and water cannons.
In a statement, İmamoğlu condemned the “unethical and baseless” accusations against him, accusing those behind them of attempting to tarnish his reputation and credibility. He vowed legal action against those involved. Meanwhile, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized the opposition for allegedly instigating unrest and accused them of bringing Syria-like conflict to Turkey. Despite government warnings, protests continued across at least 55 of Turkey’s 81 provinces, reflecting widespread support for the detained mayor. The situation has also affected financial markets, with Istanbul’s stock exchange index dropping over 16.5%—the largest weekly decline since 2008.