In Istanbul, a significant gathering of protestors has emerged in support of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was detained by authorities on March 19 under allegations of corruption and terrorism—charges he steadfastly denies.
Today’s rally, spearheaded by Turkey’s primary opposition party, the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), marks the culmination of ten days of protests across Istanbul and various Turkish cities. Mr. Imamoglu’s arrest notably came just four days before he was to be announced as the CHP’s candidate for the presidential election in 2028.
Supporters of Mr. Imamoglu assert that the arrest was politically motivated, aimed at stifling any opposition to Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s long-standing president. As Imamoglu put it, this event signals that Turkey is becoming “purely authoritarian,” with Erdogan “picking who could oppose him.”
While the protests have predominantly remained peaceful, the police response has been aggressive. Authorities have cracked down on demonstrators, primarily during nightly addresses by opposition figures. Protesters are united in their calls for Imamoglu’s release and for early elections to take place.
The latest reports from the Turkish interior ministry indicate that nearly 1,900 opposition supporters have been arrested, with 150 police officers sustaining injuries during conflicts. As Istanbul’s protests reach new heights, authorities have employed heavy-handed tactics, including pepper spray and water cannons, leading to social unrest not witnessed in over a decade.
President Erdogan has characterized the protests as “evil,” suggesting that the CHP has ignited a “violent movement.” However, the government insists that Imamoglu’s arrest was not influenced by political motives and underscores the independence of the judiciary.
Despite Erdogan’s firm stance, the popularity of Ekrem Imamoglu remains striking. His broad appeal to various voter demographics, including Kurds and conservative constituents, has positioned him as a formidable contender against Erdogan, as noted by Asli Aydintasbas, a fellow at the Brookings Institution. She pointed out, “He appealed to Kurds as well as conservatives, even peeling off important constituencies from Erdogan’s base. This made him a significant threat to the president.”
The ongoing protests feature a diverse group of participants, including nationalists, leftists, and centrist young people disillusioned with the current trajectory of their country. The nation’s inflation rate hit 39% in February, further fueling unrest.
Last Sunday, 13 million people showed their overwhelming support for Imamoglu, voting for him as the CHP’s presidential candidate—an astonishing feat occurring outside of an election cycle. Nevertheless, maintaining this fervor for daily protests poses challenges. Aydintasbas remarked, “I’m not sure that the CHP will be able to maintain this level of enthusiasm for two or three years. This is a marathon for the opposition, not a sprint.”
Upcoming challenges to the protest movement may emerge, notably with President Erdogan announcing an additional three days of public holiday to mark Eid, which traditionally provides a nine-day break for public workers. This move could reduce participation in protests, as people travel to their hometowns to celebrate with family.
However, every protest movement embodies an element of unpredictability, and participation levels could potentially increase. The CHP has urged individuals to boycott businesses that support Erdogan, seeking ways to sustain momentum.
Support for the protesters from international allies like the United States or the European Union seems limited. Although some leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, have expressed concerns, neither Washington nor Brussels has condemned Imamoglu’s arrest or police aggression significantly. President Trump has previously referred to Erdogan as “a good leader,” reflecting the geopolitical complexities at play.
In addition, the prevailing media landscape in Turkey, dominated by pro-government narratives, complicates the dissemination of information regarding the protests. This has led to restrictions on independent media, including fines and arrests of journalists. Without robust media coverage, demonstrators have had to leverage social media to voice their concerns, though state authorities have attempted to restrict that as well, requesting over 700 social media accounts tied to opposition figures be suspended.
Moreover, the recent deportation of BBC News correspondent Mark Lowen highlights the increasing repression faced by those attempting to report on the situation. Authorities labeled him a “threat to public order,” simply for engaging with protestors.
Looking ahead, economic factors may also influence Erdogan’s approach to the protests. As Cagaptay aptly noted, “It’s the key factor to watch,” indicating that market stability is a crucial element Erdogan cannot control. During the initial days of unrest, Turkish stocks experienced significant declines, showcasing investor apprehensions regarding the country’s stability.
Organizers of today’s mass rally in Istanbul will be hoping for strong turnout to maintain the current movement’s energy. Nonetheless, should attendance fall short, the protests may wane amid the anticipated holiday celebrations and scrutinizing narratives from state-run media.
In the words of Robert Kagan, “In the absence of leadership, the people will lead.” As protestors stand together in the face of adversity, only time will tell how this chapter will unfold in Turkey’s evolving political landscape.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
