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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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.