Erdogan Declares Newroz a Day of Brotherhood Amid Protests Over Imamoglu's Arrest

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared Friday as a "Day of Brotherhood," expressing hope that Newroz would bring peace and harmony to the country. However.

Speaking at a Newroz celebration on Thursday, Erdogan highlighted the significance of the occasion, calling for solidarity among the people of Türkiye. "We recognize March 21 as a day of brotherhood. Together, we will take steps toward unity and cooperation. Those who believe in the spirit of Newroz will never surrender to fear," Erdogan stated.

The Turkish president also expressed his hopes for peace, saying, "May Newroz bring tranquility to our country. We stand firm on our path and will never compromise. The message of Newroz should guide us all."

Erdoğan Calls for Permanent Ceasefire

Türkiye’s Erdoğan announced plans to ramp up humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and reiterated calls for a permanent ceasefire in the region. Speaking at the same celebration, Erdoğan also emphasized Turkey’s commitment to supporting Gaza amid ongoing tensions.

Erdoğan addressed domestic concerns, stating, "Türkiye will not succumb to street terrorism." He also took aim at political opponents, warning, "Some seek to incite chaos in the streets, but we will not allow mafia-like elements to infiltrate the Istanbul municipality." 

Government Crackdown on Protests

Erdogan’s remarks followed days of unrest sparked by the arrest of Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure and Erdogan’s main political rival. The Turkish government has accused Imamoglu of corruption and alleged ties to terrorist organizations, charges his supporters reject as politically motivated.

Since the arrest, thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets across Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, clashing with security forces. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the detention of 53 protesters and reported injuries to 16 police officers. The demonstrations, initially centered around universities and Istanbul’s municipal headquarters, quickly spread to other regions.

Opposition and European Condemnation

The Republican People's Party (CHP), to which Imamoglu belongs, condemned the arrest, labeling it a politically motivated move aimed at sidelining the mayor ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. CHP leader Özgür Özel criticized Erdogan’s government, calling for continued peaceful protests despite a four-day ban on public gatherings.

"Erdogan fears the streets more than anything else," Özel declared during a rally in Istanbul. "We are in the squares now, and we will not back down as long as our elected mayor is detained."

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