Protesters gathered near Istanbul’s main police headquarters on Wednesday, calling the detention of Ekrem Imamoglu, President Tayyip Erdogan’s chief political rival and the city’s mayor, a severe blow to Turkish democracy.
Authorities arrested Imamoglu, a leading figure in the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), on charges of corruption and aiding a terrorist group, sparking widespread outrage.
More than 100 demonstrators rallied outside the police headquarters, where Imamoglu was taken, chanting pro-democracy slogans and denouncing the government.
“This is a coup against Imamoglu, who has defeated Erdogan four times at the ballot box since 2019,” said protester Bulent Gulten, referring to CHP’s victories in major cities during the 2019 and 2024 municipal elections.
Security forces sealed off streets leading to the police station, deploying riot police and water cannons, while the Istanbul governor’s office banned all public gatherings following Imamoglu’s detention.
“They arrested him unjustly. We are here to support him,” said Murat Sapankaya, a municipal worker at the protest.
Imamoglu, 54, has intensified his criticism of Erdogan’s government in recent months, leading to a series of legal actions against him. In response to his arrest, he vowed to continue resisting political pressure.
“We expected this to happen,” said protester Yilmaz Arslan. “We will stay here until justice is served.”
