Mass protests in Turkey. About 300,000 people went to the streets of Istanbul

About 300,000 people gathered at a Friday demonstration in Istanbul – the Turkish opposition, as quoted by AFP. Protests are besides held in Izmir, Ankara and many another smaller cities. This is the wake of the arrest of the opposition mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu. Many believe that he could seriously endanger Recep Erdogan in the next presidential election.

– We are here with 300,000 people – he spoke to the crowds of Ozgur Ozel, president of the Republican People's organization (CHP), Turkey's main opposition group.

The organization called on people to peaceful protests in connection with the detention on Wednesday of Ekrem Imamoglu, considered the main political rival of president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Imamoglu, who has been in charge of Istanbul since 2019, has been detained with 105 another people on charges of corruption and links with a terrorist organization.

Turkey. Mass protests after the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu

Ozgur Ozul assured in his speech that the Friday protest was not a CHP rally, but brought together people from various groups who wanted to "show solidarity with Imamoglu and stand up for democracy".

– Erdogan tries to twist Imamoglu's hand utilizing the judiciary as a weapon and take over the building. But we will not give it to the government-designated trustee! – he assured by standing in front of Istanbul City Hall.

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According to AFP, serious clashes between the demonstrators and the police occurred in Istanbul and Izmir in the west of Turkey. Media reports that in Istanbul, officers utilized to collect rubber bullets and pepper spray. In Izmir, water cannons were to move.

In consequence to mass protests, the Turkish authorities declared a convention ban. Nevertheless, on Thursday there were very fierce clashes at Ankara Polytech. According to the authorities, 53 people were detained at night during the demonstration.

protests in Turkey. The president has spoken

On Friday, the president of Turkey stated that the government would not submit to “street terror”. Erdogan besides maintains that the judiciary remains independent and calling on citizens to protest is irresponsible.

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Some Western media estimation that current demonstrations in Turkey have been the largest in the country since the 2013 Gezi Park protests.

Imamoglu's arrest occurred a fewer days before he was to be formally anointed as a CHP candidate in the 2028 presidential election. AFP reports that protests have spread to at least 40 of the 81 provinces of Turkey.

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