Protests Erupt in Istanbul and Izmir Amid Erdogan's Staunch Response
Turkish President vows zero tolerance for street violence following unrest over the arrest of Istanbul's mayor.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared on March 21, 2025, that the country will not tolerate any threats to public order, pledging a firm stance against acts of vandalism and street violence.
His remarks came in the wake of escalating protests over the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, accompanied by clashes with police in Istanbul and Izmir.
In a speech delivered during a Nowruz celebration in Istanbul, Erdogan asserted, "We will not allow disruption of public order, and we will not submit to vandalism or street terrorism." He labeled calls to protest from opposition leader Ozgur Ozil as a "misguided and irresponsible" response, particularly given a four-day public gathering ban instituted by the government.
The Turkish government had previously warned against what they termed "illegal" calls from the opposition to organize protests following Imamoglu's arrest on corruption and terrorism-related charges.
The unrest saw thousands participate in demonstrations across the nation over the past two days.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that at least 53 individuals had been arrested and that 16 police officers were injured as protests began at universities and the Istanbul municipality, leading to scattered clashes.
Incidents of violence unfolded in both Istanbul and Izmir during protests called by the opposition in support of Imamoglu, who has been detained since March 19, 2025. Reports indicated that police used rubber bullets in Istanbul, while in Izmir, water cannons were deployed as per local television coverage.
Imamoglu, a prominent rival to Erdogan, was arrested just days ahead of the Republican People's Party's nomination of him for the upcoming presidential election set for March 23, 2025. The political tensions continue against the backdrop of Erdogan's aspirations as the next presidential election is scheduled for 2028. Under Turkey's constitutional provisions, Erdogan, who is 71 years old, has exhausted his two-term limit for the presidency and would require an early election call to run again.
The circumstances of Imamoglu's detention coincide with decisions by Istanbul University to revoke his degree, a ruling that, if upheld, may inhibit his eligibility to run for president as the constitution mandates a four-year university education for candidates.
His remarks came in the wake of escalating protests over the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, accompanied by clashes with police in Istanbul and Izmir.
In a speech delivered during a Nowruz celebration in Istanbul, Erdogan asserted, "We will not allow disruption of public order, and we will not submit to vandalism or street terrorism." He labeled calls to protest from opposition leader Ozgur Ozil as a "misguided and irresponsible" response, particularly given a four-day public gathering ban instituted by the government.
The Turkish government had previously warned against what they termed "illegal" calls from the opposition to organize protests following Imamoglu's arrest on corruption and terrorism-related charges.
The unrest saw thousands participate in demonstrations across the nation over the past two days.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that at least 53 individuals had been arrested and that 16 police officers were injured as protests began at universities and the Istanbul municipality, leading to scattered clashes.
Incidents of violence unfolded in both Istanbul and Izmir during protests called by the opposition in support of Imamoglu, who has been detained since March 19, 2025. Reports indicated that police used rubber bullets in Istanbul, while in Izmir, water cannons were deployed as per local television coverage.
Imamoglu, a prominent rival to Erdogan, was arrested just days ahead of the Republican People's Party's nomination of him for the upcoming presidential election set for March 23, 2025. The political tensions continue against the backdrop of Erdogan's aspirations as the next presidential election is scheduled for 2028. Under Turkey's constitutional provisions, Erdogan, who is 71 years old, has exhausted his two-term limit for the presidency and would require an early election call to run again.
The circumstances of Imamoglu's detention coincide with decisions by Istanbul University to revoke his degree, a ruling that, if upheld, may inhibit his eligibility to run for president as the constitution mandates a four-year university education for candidates.
