Mass protests erupted in Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoghlu on March 19, 2025. Imamoghlu, representing the opposition Republican People’s Party, was detained on charges of corruption and alleged ties to the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party, which he strongly denies.

Many view these accusations as politically motivated, aimed at eliminating a strong rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoghan ahead of the 2028 elections. Imamoghlu’s lawyer stated that his client does not plead guilty and considers the arrest an attempt to suppress the opposition.

Mass demonstrations began immediately in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, despite government bans. The police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters, and more than 1,100 people were detained.

President Erdoghan condemned the protests, calling them a "wave of violence", and accused the opposition of inciting unrest. He called for an end to demonstrations and emphasized the need to maintain order in the country.

The international community has expressed concern over the situation in Turkey, but Western allies have so far responded cautiously. The country’s economy has also felt the impact of the crisis, with a drop in the stock market and a weakening Turkish lira.

The protests continue, reflecting deep public dissatisfaction with the government’s actions and raising concerns about the future of democracy in Turkey.

The main reasons behind the protests in Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoghlu, one of the country’s key opposition politicians, are:

1. Corruption and separatism charges – The authorities arrested Imamoghlu, claiming he had ties to the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party and was involved in corruption. However, his supporters see this as a politically motivated move to eliminate Erdoghan’s rival.

2. Concerns over democracy – Many citizens and opposition forces believe the arrest is an act of pressure against the opposition and an attempt to weaken the country's democratic institutions.

3. Growing dissatisfaction with Erdoghan’s rule – Economic crisis, inflation, and declining living standards have already fueled public discontent, and the government’s actions have only intensified protests.

Key consequences of the protests:

1. Mass demonstrations have spread across Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and other cities.

2. Police have used tear gas and water cannons, with more than 1,100 arrests reported.

3. Turkey’s economy has suffered – the lira has fallen, and the stock market remains unstable.

4. The international community has condemned the authorities' actions, but Western nations have yet to issue strong responses.

The protests continue, and the situation remains tense.

Expert Group CCBS

#ANALYSIS

25.03.2025 02:15