Istanbul mayor’s detention a blow to democracy, say protesters
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A supporter holding up a picture of detained Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as protesters gathered in Istanbul on March 19.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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ISTANBUL - Protesters near Istanbul’s main police headquarters on March 19 said the detention of Ekrem Imamoglu – President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival and the city’s mayor – was a blow to Turkish democracy.
Earlier on March 19, Turkish authorities detained
More than 100 people gathered near the police headquarters, where Imamoglu was taken after being detained, chanting support for the mayor and anti-government slogans.
“They are conducting a coup right now against Imamoglu, who beat Erdogan four times at the ballot box since 2019 with the will of the nation,” said Mr Bulent Gulten, a protester, referring to 2019 and 2024 nationwide municipal elections when the CHP defeated Mr Erdogan by sweeping most major cities.
“Today, the Turkish nation will once again unite against those who betray democracy and the national will. Ekrem Imamoglu is growing and gaining strength in the eyes of the people.”
Security forces barricaded the streets leading to the police headquarters, with riot police and water cannon trucks blocking the roads, as the Istanbul governor’s office banned all public gatherings after Imamoglu’s detention.
Mr Murat Sapankaya, a municipal worker attending the protest, said: “We came here to support the mayor. They arrested him unjustly. So we are here to support him.”
Imamoglu, 54, has ramped up his criticism of Mr Erdogan and his government in recent months, prompting a wave of legal moves and indictments against him. The opposition leader said on March 19 that he would not give up and would continue standing up against the pressure.
Mr Yilmaz Arslan, another protester, said: “We actually predicted that Imamoglu would soon go through such a detention process. We are all here until the decision is changed and justice is served.” REUTERS
