ISLAMABAD: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has denounced the ongoing nationwide protests as “evil,” blaming opposition parties for inciting unrest following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges.
The protests, now in their sixth day, erupted last Wednesday after Imamoglu was detained on allegations of bribery, extortion, and manipulating public tenders. He was formally charged on Sunday and remains in custody at Silivri Prison. Imamoglu has dismissed the charges as politically motivated, a claim the Erdogan administration denies.
Growing Unrest as Opposition Rallies Behind Imamoglu
On Monday, thousands of demonstrators gathered outside Istanbul’s city hall, waving Turkish flags and chanting in support of the detained mayor. Security forces maintained a strong presence, but protests remained mostly peaceful after Sunday’s violent clashes, when riot police used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
The Turkish interior ministry reported that 1,133 people have been arrested since the demonstrations began. However, opposition leaders have vowed to sustain their resistance.
Erdogan Accuses Opposition of ‘Disturbing the Peace’
In a televised address from Ankara, Erdogan accused opposition parties of orchestrating the unrest. “Instead of answering the allegations, they have made the most vile and unlawful statements in our political history,” he said, urging an end to the demonstrations.
His remarks have further escalated tensions, with opposition figures framing the protests as a battle for democracy. Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel addressed demonstrators on Monday night, calling the movement “an act of defiance against fascism.”
Özel announced plans to visit Imamoglu in jail on Tuesday and pushed for his release pending trial. The CHP has also demanded that the trial be broadcast live on state television.
Imamoglu’s Arrest Sparks Political Showdown
Despite his detention, Imamoglu was confirmed on Monday as the CHP’s candidate for Turkey’s 2028 presidential election in a symbolic vote. The 53-year-old, considered Erdogan’s strongest political rival, was the sole contender.
While his arrest does not legally disqualify him from running, a conviction would bar his candidacy. The Turkish Justice Ministry insists the judiciary remains independent and denies allegations of political interference.
In a defiant message posted on X (formerly Twitter) over the weekend, Imamoglu vowed to stand firm. “I will never bow,” he wrote, calling his arrest a “black stain on our democracy.” His wife, Dilek Kaya Imamoglu, joined protesters outside Istanbul’s city hall, declaring that the injustice against her husband had “struck a chord with every conscience.”
Erdogan Faces Mounting Pressure
The protests are Turkey’s largest since the 2013 Gezi Park demonstrations, which started as an environmental movement but evolved into broader anti-government unrest.
Analysts say the latest turmoil reflects growing dissatisfaction with Erdogan’s administration, particularly among young voters grappling with economic hardship. Having led Turkey for 22 years as prime minister and president, Erdogan is under increasing pressure ahead of the 2028 elections.
While current constitutional limits prevent him from seeking another term, speculation is growing that his government may attempt to amend the law to allow him to run again.
