Protests broke out in Istanbul on March 19, 2025, after the arrest of the city’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure and potential presidential candidate for the 2028 elections, was detained by Turkish authorities just days before he was set to be nominated. The European Union expressed deep concern, calling the move “deeply troubling” for Turkey’s democracy.
Imamoglu, who is seen as a key challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was arrested at his home early in the morning. His party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), denounced the arrest, claiming it demonstrated how serious Imamoglu’s candidacy was against Erdogan.
Turkish state news agency Anadolu reported that Imamoglu was among nearly 100 individuals, including businesspeople and journalists, targeted by arrest warrants. The charges against him included running a criminal organization, extortion, bribery, and unlawful access to personal data.
Ozgur Ozel, head of CHP, condemned the arrest, calling it an “attempted coup against our next president.” Many European countries have voiced concern over the potential impact on Turkey’s democratic values. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that “Turkey must respect democratic values, especially the rights of elected officials.”
In a social media video released just before his arrest, Imamoglu vowed to continue his fight against Erdogan, stating, “We are facing great tyranny. But I want you to know, I will not give up.”
Following his arrest, access to several social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, was restricted in Turkey. This has raised further alarm about restrictions on freedom of expression in the country.
The political turmoil escalated when Imamoglu’s university diploma was annulled the day before his arrest. This decision could prevent him from running in the presidential elections, as a university degree is a requirement for candidacy in Turkey. Imamoglu and his supporters argue that the decision was politically motivated and illegal, aiming to undermine his political future.
Imamoglu won re-election as Istanbul’s mayor in 2024, securing a significant victory for the CHP. His party also claimed key cities, including Ankara, marking the first major national loss for Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) in over two decades.
The situation in Turkey has sparked widespread protests and renewed debates on the country’s political future, raising concerns about the state of democracy under Erdogan’s government.
