Erdogan vows to crush ‘street terror’ as Turkey’s opposition holds massive protests against leader’s arrest

Protests have broken out in at least 32 of Turkey’s 81 provinces. The reason? President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival was detained on Wednesday (March 19), just days ahead of his potential nomination as a candidate in the country’s 2028 presidential election. Ekrem Imamoglu, who hails from the opposition party CHP, on Wednesday said in a video message that a handful of people were “trying to steal” the will of the people.

“Hundreds of police officers have been sent to the door my house — the house of the 16 million people of Istanbul,” he said, ahead of his detention.

More from World

Thousands take to the streets in Istanbul to demand release of arrested mayor Over 340 arrests made in Turkey following mass protests against Erdogan

Erdogan vows to crush ‘street terror’

Protests against Imamoglu’s arrest began Wednesday in Istanbul. CHP’s leader Ozgur Ozel on Friday urged people to hold protests across the country, with over 10,000 people later showing up on streets in Istanbul.

“Don’t be silent, otherwise they’ll come for you!” protesters yelled. Many held aloft placards with slogans such as “Don’t be afraid, the people are here” and “Rights, law, justice”.

Interestingly, pro-Kurdish opposition DEM has also joined CHP’s call for protests.

In response, Erdogan warned that Turkey “will not surrender to street terror".

“Let me say it loud and clear: the street protests that the CHP leader has called for are a dead end,” the Turkish president warned. His government has termed the protests “unlawful”.

Editor’s Picks

1

‘Staging coup against next president’: Turkey’s Erdogan faces flak over detention of key political rival

According to local media reports, at least 88 protestors have been arrested so far by the authorities. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya earlier said at least 16 police officers had sustained injuries while tackling demonstrations. Police have also detained over 50 people for “incitement to hatred” through social media posts.

Why Imamoglu has been detained?

Imamoglu is currently facing two separate investigations, including related to charges of leading a crime organisation, bribery as well as tender rigging.

Adding to his woes, the Istanbul University on Tuesday (March 18) said it had annulled the mayor’s degree over irregularities. Notably, a university degree is required in Turkey to run for presidential elections.

‘Authorities preparing to block CHP’s Sunday primary’

Despite Imamoglu’s arrest, the CHP has vowed to press ahead with its Sunday primary where the now-detained leader was supposed to be declared the party’s presidential candidate.

However, experts noted that Erdogan may look to block the primary to prevent the CHP from projecting its political power on world stage.

Gonul Tol, head of the Turkish studies programme at the Washington-based Middle East Institute was quoted by AFP as saying, “If a large number of people show up and vote for Imamoglu, it will further legitimise him domestically.”

“It could really move things in a direction that Erdogan doesn’t want.”

(With inputs from agencies)