Erdogan Denounces Anti-Government Protests as Arrests Surge

Turkey is witnessing a wave of protests across major cities as demonstrators challenge the government’s crackdown on dissent.

In a significant upheaval, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has spoken out against widespread protests across Turkey, which erupted following the controversial detention of a leading opposition figure. During a rally on Friday, Erdogan labeled the protests as "vandalism" and "street terror," asserting that his administration would not bow to such acts.

Police actions intensified after the recent arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, among others, leading to mass gatherings in cities like Istanbul and Izmir, despite official prohibitions on public demonstrations. The protests have gained momentum, with the interior ministry confirming the arrest of 53 protesters on Thursday alone.

In a defiant call to action, Ozgur Ozel, leader of Imamoglu’s party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), urged citizens to participate in a coordinated protest at 20:30 local time on Friday and encouraged peaceful demonstrations nationwide. "Break down those barricades without harming the police, take to the streets and squares," Ozel proclaimed.

To counter the protests, authorities imposed a four-day ban on gatherings in Istanbul and extended similar restrictions to Ankara and Izmir. In response to rising tensions, the pro-Erdogan governor of Istanbul ordered the closure of key bridges leading to city hall, while interior minister Ali Yerlikaya condemned the protests, branding the opposition irresponsible.

Despite a heavy police presence, which has seen clashes resulting in injuries, notably among the police, crowds have continued to mobilize, with tens of thousands joining the demonstrations. The ongoing unrest comes as part of a broader crackdown against opposition figures and independent media, heightening tensions in a nation long under Erdogan’s rule.

The political climate is further complicated by Imamoglu's recent electoral success, having won re-election in Istanbul last year, significantly marking a political setback for Erdogan. The CHP is set to hold an internal vote for their presidential candidate, with Imamoglu as the sole candidate, amid calls for symbolic elections nationwide to rally support for the imprisoned mayor.

With Erdogan unable to run for re-election in 2028 under current laws, the opposition's response to this turmoil continues to evolve as protests unfold across Turkey.