Turkey: A significant number of participants gather for the expanding protest in Istanbul.
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In Istanbul, large crowds surged into the streets in response to an invitation from Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP).
The demonstrations, sparked by the arrest of prominent CHP leader Ekrem Imamoglu, have become some of the largest protests against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. On March 29, 2025, CHP leader Ozgur Ozel joined thousands at a rally protesting Imamoglu's detention, which was linked to allegations of corruption and terrorism. Imamoglu's arrest on March 19 has ignited widespread dissent, marking a significant challenge to Erdogan's rule. Imamoglu is seen as the only credible contender who could potentially rival Erdogan in an upcoming presidential election. Having been re-elected as Istanbul's mayor last year, the CHP has nominated Imamoglu as its candidate for the next election, despite his current imprisonment. International observers, human rights advocates, and the CHP assert that his detention is politically motivated, and protests that began in Istanbul have now spread throughout the nation.
Since the protests commenced earlier this month, over a thousand individuals have been detained, yet demonstrators persist in voicing their support for Imamoglu. According to the CHP, approximately 2.2 million people participated in Saturday's "Freedom for Imamoglu" protest. Demonstrators gathered in Maltepe, waving Turkish flags and holding signs at the CHP-organized rally. Although Ozel claimed 2.2 million attendees, this number has not been independently substantiated. He stated that the allegations against Imamoglu are unfounded and serve a political agenda, and he called for a boycott of media outlets and businesses seen as pro-Erdogan. Imamoglu addressed the rally through a letter, urging solidarity against his "unlawful" imprisonment. He expressed confidence in the unification of the Turkish people, promising that they would not submit to tyranny, and noted the fear Erdogan has of electoral competition. Some protesters were spotted on ferries crossing the Bosphorus, chanting "Everywhere is Taksim, resistance is everywhere," referencing the major protests centered around Taksim Square in 2013. One anonymous CHP supporter remarked to Reuters, "The economy, justice, and the rule of law are deteriorating. That is why we are here." The CHP has committed to continuing demonstrations until Imamoglu is released and reinstated as a candidate for anticipated early elections. As unrest grows, a crackdown on journalists continues. Following Imamoglu's detainment, protests have spread across Turkey, primarily remaining peaceful; however, nearly 2,000 people have been arrested. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported 260 individuals are being held pending trial. Erdogan, who has shaped Turkish politics for over two decades, has denounced the protests as a "show," urging the CHP to cease inciting public unrest. Authorities have also intensified efforts to suppress media coverage of the protests. Recently, a Swedish journalist was detained upon arrival in Turkey and subsequently jailed, with allegations of "insulting the president" and affiliation with a "terrorist organization.
" In response to Medin's arrest, his employer, Dagens ETC, firmly denied the accusations, and Sweden's Foreign Minister stated that the government is taking the situation seriously. In recent days, 13 Turkish journalists have been apprehended; however, 11 were released on Thursday, including AFP photographer Yasin Akgul. Meanwhile, a BBC correspondent, Mark Lowen, was deported, after being held for 17 hours, with authorities claiming he posed a "threat to public order."
DW News