Türkiye Opposition Leader Visits Jailed Istanbul Mayor as Protests Intensify

The leader of Türkiye’s main opposition party, Ozgur Ozel, visited jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Tuesday, following nearly a week of mass protests demanding his release.

Imamoglu, arrested on March 19 on corruption charges, is widely seen as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s top political rival. His detention has triggered nationwide demonstrations, with critics calling the charges politically motivated. The government maintains that Türkiye’s judiciary operates independently.

Ozel arrived at Silivri Prison west of Istanbul in a convoy, planning to update the public on Imamoglu’s condition. Meanwhile, the Republican People’s Party (CHP) announced it would appoint an acting mayor from within the Istanbul municipal council, aiming to prevent the government from installing a state-appointed official.

As protests escalate, authorities have cracked down on journalists, detaining eight reporters covering the demonstrations. Press organizations condemned the arrests as a violation of press freedom. The protests, spanning Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and other cities, have remained largely peaceful, though some turned violent, with police deploying water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that 1,133 protesters had been detained since last week, including 43 accused of inciting unrest. The opposition has condemned any offensive remarks directed at Erdogan’s family amid the protests.

Imamoglu faces allegations of bribery, extortion, bid-rigging, and running a criminal organization, charges he denies. His suspension from office has further fueled speculation that Erdogan may call an early election, potentially extending his rule beyond 2028.

With Imamoglu polling strongly against Erdogan, his imprisonment has deepened concerns over democracy in Türkiye, setting the stage for further political turmoil.