Arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu's Lawyer Sparks Protests in Turkey
The arrest of İmamoğlu’s lawyer and charges based on "groundless reasons" is seen as another step in the ongoing crackdown on opposition voices, fueling criticisms of Turkey’s declining democracy
March 28, 2025, 7:32 pm

Arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu's Lawyer Sparks Protests in Turkey

تحذيرات من فرض حالة الطوارئ في تركيا وسط احتجاجات واسعة

In a new development in Turkish politics, imprisoned Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu revealed that his lawyer, Mahir Belhavan, was arrested by Turkish authorities.

İmamoğlu tweeted on X platform this Friday, stating that the arrest was made on "groundless reasons," and suggesting that "the end of the lies and slanders" spread by the ruling government may not be near. He added that this escalation comes at a time when they have "not stopped their coup against democracy."

These events unfold at a sensitive moment, as İmamoğlu faces one of the largest corruption trials in the history of Istanbul’s municipality, leading to his detention along with 18 other suspects.

A criminal court had ordered his detention for trial on Sunday, sparking widespread protests across Turkey.

Police clamped down on the demonstrators, arresting hundreds, including journalists. Authorities also imposed strict restrictions on social media platforms and issued orders to ban gatherings and protests.

İmamoğlu, who was serving as the Mayor of Istanbul, is one of the most prominent opposition figures to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He was nominated by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) to run for the presidency, adding another layer to the arrests and harassment he faces from the ruling regime.

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