Mass Protests Erupt in Turkey as Government Intensifies Crackdown

Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets across Turkey, protesting the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Security forces have responded with mass detentions, as the government cracks down on dissent.

In Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, protesters defied heavy police presence, chanting slogans in support of İmamoğlu and demanding his immediate release. Authorities used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, while several opposition figures and journalists were reportedly detained.

The protests follow the nullification of İmamoğlu’s university diploma, a move seen as an attempt to disqualify him from running for Turkey’s presidency. The opposition has condemned the decision, calling it a politically motivated attack on democracy.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has identified 261 social media accounts allegedly involved in spreading anti-state messages, leading to 37 arrests. The government claims these accounts were used to incite unrest, but critics argue that the crackdown is part of a broader effort to silence opposition voices.

International leaders have expressed concern over Turkey’s handling of the situation. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called İmamoğlu’s arrest “a severe blow to democracy,” while the European Union warned of potential consequences for Turkey’s relations with the bloc.

As protests continue, opposition parties are calling for nationwide demonstrations, setting the stage for a major political confrontation. The situation remains tense, with Turkey’s political future at a critical juncture.