Thousands rally across Türkiye as Istanbul mayor remains in custody

Demonstrators gathered in cities across Türkiye on the night of March 21, defying protest bans to rally against the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu.

In Istanbul, hundreds of thousands assembled outside City Hall, while thousands more took to the streets in other provinces, including the capital, Ankara, and the Aegean coastal city of Izmir, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Imamoğlu, a prominent opposition figure and potential presidential contender, was detained on March 19 on charges related to terrorism and corruption. His arrest has sparked widespread protests, with his supporters and opposition groups alleging political motives behind the case.

Despite restrictions imposed earlier on March 21, including road closures around City Hall in Istanbul, demonstrators gathered for a third consecutive night. Similar protests occurred in other cities, including Adana and Trabzon, Imamoğlu’s hometown. In some areas, clashes broke out between security forces and demonstrators. Police used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse crowds in Ankara and Izmir, and 97 individuals were detained, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

Sharing the details on X, Yerlikaya stated that police acted with “patience and common sense” and emphasized that authorities were preventing actions that could disrupt public order. He noted that 97 people had been detained for alleged violations of public assembly laws and damage to property.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also addressed the ongoing protests, stating that the government would not overlook what he referred to as calls for “street terror.”

Meanwhile, investigations into corruption and terrorism allegations continue. Out of the 106 individuals for whom arrest warrants were issued on March 20, 90 remain in custody, including Imamoğlu. The Istanbul mayor is scheduled to be questioned by prosecutors today, March 22, following police interrogation on March 21. A court is expected to determine whether he will be released or remain in detention pending trial.

By Tamilla Hasanova