Turkey: Opposition Condemns Abuse and Psychological Torture of Students Protesting for İmamoğlu

Serious allegations against the police authorities were made today (31.03.2025) by the president of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) regarding incidents of police violence during student protests following the arrest of the former mayor of Istanbul. Specifically, the leader of the official opposition, Özgür Özer, condemned the mistreatment of students in Turkey who were arrested for participating in protests and gatherings protesting the imprisonment of Ekrem İmamoğlu. ‘These students were abused, their hands were tied behind their backs with handcuffs, and they were kept in corridors for hours without anyone telling them which prison they would be sent to,’ stated the president of the People’s Republican Party (CHP). Özer visited yesterday Ekrem İmamoğlu in the Silivri prison, west of Istanbul, where he has been held since March 23rd, and met with eight detained students held in the same facility. ‘Verbal abuse and mistreatment were inflicted upon the students,’ he said, referring to ‘psychological torture’ as well as ‘slaps in the face’ and ‘pressure on the heads of those lying on the ground.’ ‘They are in good health but we believe they should not remain in custody for another eighteen or twenty days before the first hearing process,’ he added, demanding the release of those ‘who have no blood on their hands and have not dirtied their hands.’ ‘We have avoided and will continue to avoid targeting our police,’ but ‘there is no forgiveness or leniency for mistreatment,’ warned Özer, urging the preservation of evidence ‘so that when the time comes, responsibilities can be sought.’ At least 2,000 people have been arrested and imprisoned, according to a statement from the Ministry of Interior. This latest count dates back to Thursday (27.03.2025). According to legal sources, the actual number is much higher. On Saturday (29.03.2025), healthcare workers’ unions announced that they had identified abuse both during arrest and during detention and judicial proceedings.