Türkiye Warns Against Protests Over Imamoglu’s Arrest Amid Mounting Opposition

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — The Turkish government has issued a stern warning against what it described as "illegal" protests organized by the main opposition in response to the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The move has ignited mass demonstrations across the country, with thousands taking to the streets in recent days.

Government Crackdown and Arrests

Türkiye 's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on Thursday that 53 people had been arrested and 16 police officers injured during clashes that erupted in universities, Istanbul’s municipal headquarters, and various other locations. Despite a four-day ban on public gatherings, protests continued in major cities including Ankara, Izmir, and Istanbul, leading to heightened tensions.

Imamoglu, a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and a leading opposition figure, was detained on Wednesday on charges of corruption and alleged support for a terrorist organization. The arrest, viewed by critics as politically motivated, has drawn widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and European officials, who described it as a blow to Türkiye's democracy.

Opposition's Defiance and European Criticism

The Republican People's Party (CHP), to which Imamoglu belongs, denounced the arrest and called for peaceful demonstrations. CHP leader Özgür Özel strongly criticized Erdogan’s government, accusing it of exploiting the judiciary for political gain.

"Erdogan fears the streets more than anything else," Özel declared during a rally in front of Istanbul's municipality building. "We are in the squares now, and we will not return home as long as our elected mayor remains detained."

While the Turkish government has justified the arrest by citing legal procedures, European leaders have condemned the move, warning that it undermines democratic norms and threatens political pluralism.

Political Ramifications and Electoral Implications

Imamoglu's detention comes just days before his expected nomination as the CHP’s candidate for the upcoming presidential elections. The arrest was further compounded by a controversial decision from Istanbul University to revoke his academic degree. If upheld, this decision would disqualify him from running for the presidency under Turkish law, which mandates candidates to hold a valid university degree.

The opposition has called upon citizens to participate in symbolic votes for Imamoglu across the country as a show of resistance. This symbolic act is intended to demonstrate public opposition to what they view as authoritarian tactics by Erdogan’s government.

With the next presidential elections scheduled for 2028, Erdogan, now 71, has exhausted his constitutional limit of two terms. Should he seek a third term, the president would need to call for early elections before the end of his current tenure.