The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, has sent shockwaves through Turkey. Tensions remain high as protests are planned for Sunday by students, citizens, and political parties demanding his release and directly accusing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Despite being charged with collaborating with the PKK, a criminal organization, and corruption, Imamoglu has become a popular hero among many Turks who see him as someone capable of challenging Erdogan’s policies.
The streets of Istanbul and Ankara resemble battlegrounds due to clashes between police and protesters. Authorities attempted to disperse demonstrators gathered outside city hall, but no injuries have been reported so far. An unprecedented number of citizens from various small opposition parties rallied together chanting slogans hoping to change Imamoglu’s fate.
President of the CHP, Ozgur Ozel, addressing the crowd from a bus, warned law enforcement against using plastic bullets. He questioned the morality of stifling Turkey’s hope with tear gas while emphasizing that not only was Imamoglu detained but also the will of Istanbul’s 16 million citizens.
Imamoglu remains under temporary detention until Sunday when it will be decided if he will face pre-trial imprisonment. Political analysts believe this scenario is unlikely optimistic given the severity of the charges. His wife, Dilék, stated that what was arrested wasn’t just her husband but the voice of Istanbul’s populace.
As the situation unfolds, supporters of Ekrem Imamoglu continue protesting despite government crackdowns. In response, President Erdogan dismissed these actions as mere theatrics by the opposition party attempting to cover up their own mistakes.
Imamoglu himself posted on X calling on his supporters not to stay silent and directly accused Erdogan of corruption urging members of the government and judiciary to halt injustice against him.