Protests in Turkey have continued for a fourth consecutive night following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, marking the largest demonstrations the country has witnessed in over a decade.
Imamoglu, a key political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was detained on Wednesday—just days before he was set to be named the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) candidate for the 2028 presidential election. Prosecutors have charged him with terrorism and corruption, allegations he denies.
In response to the unrest, Erdogan accused CHP of attempting to “disturb the peace and polarise our people.” Authorities have imposed a ban on public gatherings in major cities, but thousands have defied the order, chanting “rights, law, justice” in protest against what they see as a politically motivated detention.
Clashes between protesters and riot police have been reported in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, with security forces using tear gas, water cannons, and pepper spray to disperse crowds. On Friday alone, 343 demonstrators were arrested nationwide.
Many protesters have expressed concerns about Turkey’s democratic future. “I’m here for justice, I’m here for liberty,” one woman told the BBC. Another, who attended with her 11-year-old son, said, “It’s getting harder to live in Turkey day by day… There is no real justice here.”
Imamoglu’s political future is also under threat after Istanbul University revoked his degree over alleged irregularities—a decision that, if upheld, could prevent him from running for president, as Turkey’s constitution requires candidates to have completed higher education.
Erdogan, who has held office for 22 years as both prime minister and president, is barred from seeking re-election in 2028 unless constitutional changes allow him to extend his rule. Opposition figures claim Imamoglu’s arrest is part of a broader effort to eliminate political challengers, though Turkey’s justice ministry insists the judiciary remains independent.
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