Calls for sustained demonstrations against government policies and alleged election irregularities
Turkey’s Opposition Leader Vows Nationwide Protests Until Istanbul Mayor’s Release or Early Elections
Mass demonstrations intensify as opposition accuses government of political crackdown; Erdogan labels protests ‘street terrorism’.
Protests across Turkey are set to escalate, with opposition leader Ozgur Ozel vowing continued demonstrations in every city until either early presidential elections are called or Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is released from prison.
Ozel, chairman of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), told News Insider that a massive rally in Istanbul this Saturday will mark the start of their campaign to make Imamoglu Turkey’s next president in the 2028 elections.
Unrest Spreads Across Turkey
The protests, which have been ongoing for a week, have brought record-breaking crowds onto the streets—the largest seen in Turkey in over a decade. While most rallies have remained peaceful, violent clashes erupted on Sunday, with security forces firing tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators.
Authorities have arrested over 1,400 people, including seven Turkish journalists who were covering the unrest.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has dismissed the demonstrations as “street terrorism”, accusing protesters of attacking police and damaging public property. “This show will eventually fade,” he declared.
Imamoglu’s Arrest Sparks Outrage
Imamoglu, a popular opposition figure, was arrested last week on corruption charges, including allegations of bribery, extortion, and rigging public tenders. His supporters, however, claim the charges are politically motivated to block his path to the presidency.
Visiting Imamoglu in Silivri Prison, Ozel confirmed the mayor is being held in solitary confinement but is “in good condition” and has not been mistreated so far.
Ozel described the corruption case as “a scam designed to discredit him”, citing allegations that Imamoglu bought land cheaply, which prosecutors claim may have been a bribe. However, Ozel argued that the payment in question was merely a deposit for the land purchase.
A Political Battle for Turkey’s Future
Despite being in custody, Imamoglu was formally declared the CHP’s candidate for the 2028 presidential elections earlier this week.
Human rights groups and opposition leaders argue that the legal system in Turkey is being used as a political weapon, a claim the Turkish government denies. Imamoglu himself has called his arrest “a coup”, while government officials insist that Turkey’s judiciary remains independent.
Opinion polls suggest that Imamoglu could pose a serious challenge to Erdogan in the next elections—if he is not behind bars.
