ISTANBUL, Turkey – Hundreds of thousands of citizens flooded the streets of Istanbul in a massive show of support for Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was recently arrested on corruption charges. The protests on Saturday were a response to what many believe are politically motivated actions against the mayor, who is considered a key opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Imamoglu, a member of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has been serving as Istanbul’s mayor since 2019 and gained widespread popularity after winning the mayoral election last year. His arrest has sparked outcry and led to demonstrations calling for his release.
During the protests, crowds spilled over from the main protest site into a nearby park as demonstrators waved Turkish flags and chanted slogans demanding justice and the upholding of rights. The chairman of the CHP addressed the crowd and read a letter from Imamoglu, who is currently in solitary confinement, expressing gratitude for the support and unity of the people.
Despite government claims that Imamoglu’s arrest was not politically motivated and that the courts operate independently, there are concerns about the fairness of his trial. The protests have been met with police crackdowns, with reports of tear gas and rubber bullets being used against demonstrators. Additionally, nearly 2,000 individuals, including journalists, have been arrested in connection with the protests.
Imamoglu’s wife, Dilek, stood alongside the protesters and vowed to continue the fight for justice. The demonstrations have highlighted the growing dissent and frustration with Erdogan’s government, with many seeing Imamoglu as the only viable challenger to the ruling party in upcoming elections.
The ongoing protests have drawn international attention, with reporters like BBC’s Mark Lowen being deported for allegedly lacking proper accreditation. Erdogan has dismissed the protests as acts of “street terrorism” and accused demonstrators of inciting violence.
As the calls for Imamoglu’s release and fair trial continue to grow, the situation in Istanbul remains tense. The outcome of this high-profile case could have significant implications for the future political landscape of Turkey.