Turkish police deployed pepper spray and water cannons against student protesters in Ankara this morning, as they attempted to march near the gates of the Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ). According to Halk TV and other local media, the demonstration was violently dispersed, leading to multiple arrests.
Students Targeted Amid Political Unrest
The protests began last week following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a major political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. İmamoğlu is currently detained awaiting trial on corruption charges, which many opposition voices claim are politically motivated. He has also been accused of terrorism—allegations critics say rely on secret witnesses and weak evidence.
During today’s student demonstration, police intervened forcefully:
- Water cannons and pepper spray were used to disperse the crowd.
- Students hid behind containers to escape the crackdown.
- Several students were detained after police broke up the protest.
Opposition MP Sprayed by Police
Melih Meriç, a Republican People’s Party (CHP) MP, was also caught in the police crackdown. He was seen soaked in water and affected by pepper spray.
“These students only wanted to make a statement to the media, but the police strictly prohibited it—and this is the result,” Meriç stated.
Mass Arrests in Nationwide Protests
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that 1,900 people have been arrested over the past eight days of protests. Among them:
- 1,879 suspects were detained, including 260 individuals who will remain in pre-trial detention.
- 468 have been released under judicial control.
- Investigations continue for 662 other protesters.
Despite the repression, protests continue to spread, with opposition voices condemning government crackdowns on student activism and freedom of speech.
