Istanbul, March 20, 2025 — Mass protests erupted across Istanbul on Thursday following the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the city’s popular mayor and a key opposition figure widely viewed as a potential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets, decrying Imamoglu’s detention as politically motivated and a direct attack on democracy in Turkiye.

According to reports from news agency ANI, citing France 24, the protests gained momentum despite heavy restrictions imposed by authorities. Several major roads were closed, access to social media platforms was curtailed, and a four-day demonstration ban was put in place to thwart public gatherings. However, these efforts did little to quell the growing unrest, as large crowds gathered in multiple locations across Istanbul.

Protests Spread Across Key Locations in Istanbul

Protesters gathered in large numbers outside:

• Istanbul’s police headquarters, where Imamoglu was being held.
• City Hall, voicing support for the mayor and condemning his detention.
• The central office of Imamoglu’s Republican People’s Party (CHP), where demonstrators chanted slogans against the government.

Eyewitnesses reported that the crowd was peaceful but resolute, demanding Imamoglu’s immediate release. Protesters denounced the arrest as an attack on freedom and democracy, accusing the government of orchestrating a politically motivated crackdown to silence opposition voices.

Protesters Decry Crackdown on Democracy

Speaking to France 24, a protester voiced frustration, saying, “This is not democracy. It’s a sham of democracy. The people do not deserve this. We are upset, of course. As humans, we are upset.” Similar sentiments echoed throughout the crowd, with many expressing concern over the erosion of democratic principles in Turkiye.

Who is Ekrem Imamoglu?

Ekrem Imamoglu, the Mayor of Istanbul since 2019, is a popular opposition leader from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and has emerged as a key challenger to President Erdogan. Imamoglu gained national prominence after defeating Erdogan’s party twice in the 2019 mayoral elections, signaling growing discontent with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Imamoglu and several aides were arrested on corruption allegations, including extortion, fraud, and links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) — a banned organization considered a terrorist group by Turkiye, the US, and other allies. Authorities claim Imamoglu and his associates provided assistance to the PKK, a charge that Imamoglu’s supporters have dismissed as baseless and politically driven.

Allegations and Political Crackdown

The arrest of Imamoglu is part of a wider crackdown on opposition leaders, with critics accusing the government of using legal mechanisms to suppress dissent. Imamoglu’s supporters argue that the charges are fabricated to prevent him from contesting in the upcoming national elections.

Notably, a day before his arrest, Istanbul University revoked Imamoglu’s bachelor’s degree, which is a legal prerequisite for contesting elections under Turkish law. This move has further fueled allegations that Erdogan’s government is systematically dismantling opposition candidates ahead of the elections.

Riot Police Block Roads to Vatan Security Department

Following Imamoglu’s arrest, riot police blocked off roads leading to the Vatan Security Department, where the mayor was taken for interrogation. The presence of heavily armed security personnel intensified the sense of urgency among the protesters, with many accusing the government of resorting to intimidation tactics to stifle dissent.

Government Response and Restrictions

In response to the growing unrest, the Turkish government has restricted access to social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, in an attempt to limit the spread of protest-related information. Authorities also enforced a four-day demonstration ban across Istanbul, citing concerns over public safety and national security.

Despite these measures, protests continued unabated as demonstrators defied the ban and remained on the streets, determined to demand justice for Imamoglu and resist what they see as a dangerous erosion of democratic norms in the country.

International Outcry and Condemnation

Imamoglu’s arrest has sparked condemnation from international observers, with human rights organizations and foreign governments expressing concern over the deterioration of democratic institutions in Turkiye.

“The arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu is deeply concerning and raises serious questions about the state of judicial independence and political freedom in Turkiye,” said a spokesperson from Amnesty International.

Imamoglu’s Arrest and Impact on Turkish Politics

The arrest of Imamoglu is expected to reshape the political landscape in Turkiye, as his detention could galvanize opposition forces and mobilize public opinion against Erdogan’s government. Imamoglu’s popularity, particularly among young voters and urban residents, makes him a formidable opponent in the upcoming elections.

However, with his bachelor’s degree revoked and legal challenges looming, Imamoglu’s path to candidacy now faces significant hurdles.

Future Course: Intensified Protests or Dialogue?

As tensions escalate, analysts predict that the coming weeks could witness intensified protests and greater polarization in Turkish society. Opposition leaders are calling for nationwide demonstrations, while the government appears determined to maintain its hardline stance against dissent.

The outcome of this standoff could have far-reaching implications for Turkiye’s democratic future, as the country navigates one of the most turbulent political periods in its recent history.

Conclusion: Democracy at Crossroads in Turkiye

The arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu has ignited a wave of public unrest in Turkiye, with mass protests reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s crackdown on opposition voices. As the situation unfolds, the fate of Turkiye’s democracy hangs in the balance, with public opinion, international pressure, and political maneuvering likely to determine the next chapter in this unfolding crisis.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Arisinfra Solutions Limited, Grand Continental Hotels, Rapid Fleet Management Services, Active Infrastructures Limited, Desco Infratech Limited.

The Current active IPO are Paradeep Parivahan, Divine Hira Jewellers.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst