Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned ongoing nationwide protests as "evil," blaming opposition parties for inciting violence after the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges.
The unrest, now in its sixth day, erupted last Wednesday following Imamoglu’s arrest on allegations of bribery, extortion, and rigging public tenders. He was formally charged on Sunday and remains in custody in Silivri Prison. The opposition leader has dismissed the accusations as politically motivated, a claim denied by Erdogan’s government.
On Monday, thousands of demonstrators once again gathered outside Istanbul’s city hall, waving Turkish flags and chanting slogans in support of Imamoglu. While security forces maintained a strong presence, protests remained largely peaceful after violent clashes on Sunday, when riot police used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
The Turkish interior ministry reported that 1,133 people had been arrested since the demonstrations began. However, the protests show no signs of slowing down, with opposition leaders vowing to continue their defiance.
Erdogan accuses opposition of ‘disturbing the peace’
In a televised address from Ankara, Erdogan accused opposition parties of orchestrating the unrest. "Instead of responding to allegations, they have made the most vile and unlawful statements in our political history," he said, urging an end to the demonstrations.
His remarks have further inflamed tensions, with opposition figures calling the protests a fight for democracy. Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel addressed crowds on Monday night, labelling the movement "an act of defiance against fascism."
Özel announced that he would visit Imamoglu in jail on Tuesday and that the CHP would push for his release pending trial. The party has also demanded that his trial be broadcast live on state television.
Imamoglu’s arrest sparks political battle
Despite his detention, Imamoglu was confirmed on Monday as the CHP’s candidate for Turkey’s 2028 presidential election in a symbolic vote. The 53-year-old politician, who was the sole contender, has positioned himself as Erdogan’s most formidable rival.
His arrest does not legally prevent his candidacy, but a conviction would bar him from running. The Turkish Justice Ministry has rejected allegations of political interference, insisting on the judiciary’s independence.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter) over the weekend, Imamoglu vowed to stand firm. “I will never bow,” he wrote, calling his arrest a "black stain on our democracy."
His wife, Dilek Kaya Imamoglu, joined protesters outside Istanbul’s city hall, declaring that the injustice against her husband had "struck a chord with every conscience."
The protests are the largest Turkey has seen since the Gezi Park demonstrations in 2013, which began over the planned demolition of a public park but grew into a broader movement against Erdogan’s rule.
Observers say the latest unrest reflects deepening dissatisfaction with the government, particularly among young voters grappling with economic hardships. Erdogan, who has led Turkey for 22 years as prime minister and president, is facing mounting pressure ahead of the 2028 elections.
While he is currently barred from seeking another term due to constitutional limits, speculation is rife that his government may attempt to amend the law to allow him to run again.
