Turkish authorities have detained nine journalists who were covering overnight protests in several cities against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the Turkish Journalists’ Union announced on Monday.
The exact reasons for the journalists’ detention remain unclear.
Imamoglu’s Arrest Sparks Unrest
A Turkish court ordered Imamoglu’s imprisonment on Sunday, pending trial on corruption charges. Imamoglu, a key political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has denied all allegations, calling them “unthinkable accusations and slander.”
His arrest has ignited the largest protests Turkey has seen in a decade. Despite authorities banning street demonstrations in multiple cities, protesters have taken to the streets for five consecutive nights, largely in peaceful opposition to the government.
Opposition Condemns Court Ruling
The main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has called for nationwide protests, condemning the court’s decision as politically motivated and undemocratic.
While the government insists that the judiciary operates independently and that the investigation is not politically driven, critics argue that Imamoglu’s prosecution is an attempt to weaken Erdoğan’s most formidable opponent ahead of upcoming elections.
Press Freedom Under Threat
Among the detained journalists is a staff photographer from Agence France-Presse (AFP), according to the Turkish Journalists’ Union. The detentions have raised fresh concerns over press freedom in Turkey, where media crackdowns have intensified in recent years.
CHP leader Özgür Özel, speaking at a demonstration outside Istanbul’s city hall, vowed to continue the protests until Imamoglu is released.
