Mass Rally in Istanbul: Tens of Thousands Protest Imamoğlu's Arrest
The massive turnout in Istanbul reflects escalating protests against the Turkish government, with the opposition claiming that Ekrem İmamoğlu's arrest is part of an attempt to undermine political oppo
March 29, 2025, 7:17 pm

Mass Rally in Istanbul: Tens of Thousands Protest Imamoğlu's Arrest

المظاهرات في تركيا \ تعبيرية \ متداولة

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Istanbul on Saturday in response to a call from the Republican People's Party (CHP), Turkey's largest opposition party, protesting the arrest of the city's mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu.

Despite ongoing repression, which targeted protesters in the past days, the demonstrators, fewer in number than previous protests, gathered on the Asian side of Istanbul under the banner "Continue the March," according to CHP leader Özgür Özel. İmamoğlu's wife, mother, and children participated in the demonstration, chanting slogans such as "Division everywhere, resistance everywhere!" referring to Taksim Square, the center of the 2013 Gezi protests.

Since İmamoğlu's arrest on March 19, Turkey has witnessed unprecedented protests, with tens of thousands demonstrating daily until Monday evening. However, the CHP stopped calling for gatherings in front of the municipal building and adopted a new approach in the popular movement.

In an interview with Le Monde French newspaper, Özel announced the party's plan to organize weekly gatherings every Saturday in different Turkish cities and additional protests in Istanbul every Wednesday evening. He emphasized their readiness to face potential legal consequences, stating: "If we do not confront this coup attempt, there will be no ballots."

İmamoğlu was seen as the opposition's leading candidate for the 2028 presidential elections before his arrest, which the opposition believes is an attempt to ruin his political future.

Escalating Security and Widespread Arrests
Despite ongoing protests, demonstrators faced an increasing crackdown, especially among young people and students. By Friday, at least 511 students had been arrested in Istanbul, with 275 detained in prison, according to lawyer Ferhat Gözül, who indicated that the actual numbers might be higher.

Official data from Thursday revealed over 2,000 people had been detained, with 260 imprisoned. Among those arrested were journalists and lawyers, including Swedish journalist Joachim Medin, who was detained upon his arrival in Istanbul on charges of "insulting the president" and "membership in an armed terrorist organization," which his editor described as completely fabricated.

In related news, Turkish authorities deported BBC correspondent Mark Lowen, claiming he posed a "threat to public order." Twelve Turkish journalists were arrested while covering the protests, most of whom were later released, but they still face charges related to "unauthorized demonstrations," including AFP photographer Yasin Akçöl.

In parallel, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared a nine-day holiday for public sector employees in observance of Eid al-Fitr, which some believe was an attempt to empty major cities and reduce the size of protests. However, the CHP affirmed that the protests would continue, stating that 15 million people participated in symbolic primaries held on the day of İmamoğlu's arrest in his support.

In a motivational message to supporters, Özgür Özel wrote on the "X" platform: "Nomination of Ekrem İmamoğlu is not the end of the road but the beginning of a journey that will guarantee justice and the sovereignty of the nation."

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