Turkey Erupts in Mass Protests After Opposition Leader's Arrest: Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets Fired

Istanbul's streets became battlegrounds for a fifth consecutive night as hundreds of thousands defied government bans to protest the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul's popular mayor and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s chief political rival. Police responded with tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets, while authorities confirmed over 1,130 detentions since demonstrations began on March 19.

The crisis erupted after İmamoğlu—a potential 2028 presidential candidate—was jailed pending trial on Sunday on charges including bribery, extortion, and leading "criminal organization." The opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), which has endorsed İmamoğlu as its sole presidential nominee, denounced the case as politically motivated, with 13 million Turks reportedly signing solidarity petitions.

A Democracy Under Strain?

Protesters, many masking their faces to avoid identification, told journalists they feared Turkey’s democracy was being "eroded." Analysts warn the unrest could escalate into Erdoğan’s gravest political challenge in a decade, testing his 20-year grip on power.

While Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya vowed to crush threats to "national security," witnesses described the protests as largely peaceful, with crowds chanting anti-government slogans. The detention of İmamoğlu—who called the charges "unimaginable slanders"—has drawn international concern over judicial independence in Turkey.

Why This Matters

- Political Purge? Critics allege Erdoğan is sidelining a formidable rival before 2028 elections.

- Global Spotlight: The protests recall 2013’s Gezi Park uprising but with higher stakes.

- Crackdown Risks: With İmamoğlu now in Silivri Prison, tensions could worsen if demonstrations spread.

As Turkey’s opposition mobilizes, the world watches whether these protests will force a reckoning—or face brutal suppression.