Erdogan Accuses Opposition of Seeking Rojava Influence in Ankara
Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that ongoing protests in Turkey were orchestrated to divert public attention from corruption investigations targeting Istanbul’s municipal administration.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday accused the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) of attempting to conceal corruption scandals in Istanbul, as authorities escalated their crackdown on anti-government protests, arresting journalists and political figures.
Speaking at a press conference, Erdogan claimed that ongoing protests in Turkey were orchestrated to divert public attention from corruption investigations targeting Istanbul’s municipal administration. He alleged that “every measure is being taken to cover up fraud and bury theft cases.”
His remarks came amid intensified government efforts to suppress dissent, following the arrest and subsequent jailing of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan’s most formidable political rival. Demonstrations erupted in Istanbul and other cities, with thousands taking to the streets despite heavy police presence.
Erdogan also targeted CHP’s foreign policy stance, accusing the opposition of seeking to bring Turkey under the influence of the Kurdish-led autonomous administration in northern Syria (Rojava).
Government Defends Crackdown on Protests
Amid growing international criticism, Erdogan defended his security forces' response to the demonstrations, vowing to take all necessary measures against anyone covering their faces or attacking police officers.
His comments followed mass arrests and violent dispersal of protesters. The Turkish Interior Ministry announced that 1,879 people had been detained since March 19, including journalists, lawyers, and student activists.
Authorities have also detained Ekrem Imamoglu’s lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan, on unspecified charges. Imamoglu denounced the arrest as a "coup against democracy", accusing the government of attempting to silence legal defenders. Pehlivan was later released under a travel ban.
Erdogan Pushes "New Peace Process" Amid Political Turmoil
Despite the escalating tensions, Erdogan reiterated his government’s commitment to a “new peace process”, claiming that the sole objective is to lead Turkey’s 85 million citizens toward a future free of terrorism.
However, opposition figures and international watchdogs view the government's latest crackdown as part of a broader campaign to stifle dissent ahead of crucial elections. The U.S. and France have strongly condemned Ankara’s handling of the protests, while rights groups have warned of increasing repression against the press and political opposition.
As the crisis deepens, young demonstrators continue to flood the streets, defying government warnings despite fears of violent retaliation. "We are here for our rights, but I'm scared," one protester told local media, echoing the growing sense of unease in Turkey’s most turbulent period in over a decade.
