On March 24, 2023, Turkish authorities detained nine journalists who were covering protests across several cities in response to the controversial arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The Journalists Union of Turkey confirmed the detentions on Monday, though the specific reasons for the arrests remain unclear at this time.
Imamoglu, a prominent political figure and the main rival of President Tayyip Erdogan, was jailed by a Turkish court on Sunday pending trial on corruption charges. This legal decision has sparked the largest wave of protests in Turkey in over a decade. Despite restrictions on public gatherings in numerous cities, peaceful demonstrations against the government's actions continued for a fifth consecutive night.
The main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), has been actively calling for protests against the court's ruling on Imamoglu, which they describe as politically motivated and undemocratic. The Turkish government, however, defends the integrity of the judicial process, asserting that the courts operate independently and are free from political influence.
Imamoglu himself has vehemently denied the charges leveled against him, characterizing them as "unimaginable accusations" and "slanders." He has urged his supporters to engage in nationwide protests to demand his release.
During a demonstration held in the Sarachane district of Istanbul, CHP leader Ozgur Ozel addressed the crowd, vowing that protests would persist until Imamoglu is freed. His remarks resonated with the thousands of demonstrators who have taken to the streets to voice their opposition to the government's actions.
Among those detained was an Agence France Presse (AFP) photographer, highlighting the increasing risks faced by journalists covering the ongoing unrest. The situation continues to evolve, and further developments are anticipated as both protests and calls for justice gain momentum.
Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever, Editing by Bernadette Baum.
