Violent clashes have erupted across several cities in Turkey for a second consecutive day, as supporters of the opposition demand the release of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Reports and videos from various Turkish media outlets depict a tense atmosphere as demonstrators confront state security forces in major urban areas.
In the capital city of Ankara and in Istanbul, police have resorted to firing tear gas and deploying water cannons to disperse large crowds of protesters. Social media footage and local news reports indicate that the situation has escalated significantly, with clashes resulting in numerous injuries and arrests.
The unrest follows the detention of Imamoglu, a prominent political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was taken into custody on Wednesday amid corruption and terrorism investigations. State-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported that detention orders were also issued for approximately 100 individuals connected to the mayor, including his press adviser Murat Ongun.
On Thursday, violent incidents occurred in multiple cities, leading to injuries among law enforcement personnel. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that at least 16 police officers were injured during clashes, with over 53 individuals detained nationwide. The number of injured protesters remains unclear as the protests continue.
On Thursday, Ozgur Ozel, the leader of the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), addressed thousands of supporters in Istanbul from atop a bus. He passionately urged the crowd, “We will not stay home while you keep our elected representative locked up. From now on we are on the streets. They are asking me ‘Are you calling people to take the streets?’ Yes, yes, yes!”
In response to the rising tensions, President Erdogan has dismissed the opposition's anger as mere “theatrics” and “slogans,” asserting that Turkey has no time for such distractions. Despite a four-day ban on street gatherings in Istanbul, thousands gathered outside the municipality building on Friday, waving Turkish flags and chanting slogans against the government's actions.
The protests have gained momentum, particularly among university students, with demonstrations also taking place in Ankara and Izmir, where similar prohibitions on gatherings are in effect. As the situation develops, the potential for further unrest remains high as citizens voice their discontent with the current political climate.
