ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strongly criticized the ongoing protests over the jailing of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, calling the demonstrations a “movement of violence” and holding the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) accountable for the chaos. Imamoglu, a prominent opposition leader and Erdogan’s political rival, was arrested last Wednesday on corruption charges that he denies.
The protests, which erupted after Imamoglu’s detention, have become the largest in Turkey in more than a decade. On Sunday, a court decided to imprison Imamoglu, pending trial, over charges linked to his involvement in an alleged corruption scheme. His supporters argue that the charges are politically motivated, aimed at silencing a credible challenger to Erdogan’s rule. The ruling government, however, denies these claims.
Protests Continue Despite Government Crackdown
The protests have persisted for several days, despite a ban on street gatherings in several Turkish cities. Thousands of demonstrators, mainly supporters of the CHP, have rallied across the country, including Istanbul and Ankara. Opposition leader Ozgur Ozel urged protesters to continue the demonstrations, calling for a boycott of pro-Erdogan media, brands, and stores.
Erdogan, in a statement following a cabinet meeting, accused the CHP of provoking violence and instigating unrest. “The main opposition is responsible for our injured police officers, the damaged property, and the chaos. They will be held accountable for all this, both politically and legally,” he said. Erdogan also claimed that the protests, initially peaceful, had escalated into a violent movement with growing unrest across the nation.
Violence and Police Clashes
The protests have escalated into violent confrontations with the police. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that 1,133 people had been detained during the protests, with 123 police officers injured. CHP officials have condemned the police’s heavy-handed approach, particularly the violent crackdown on protesters in Istanbul, which led to several injuries.
On Sunday night, police used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber pellets to disperse the crowds. Despite the violence, the protests continued on Monday, with demonstrators in Istanbul and Ankara staging sit-ins and blocking roads, demanding Imamoglu’s release and an end to what they perceive as political oppression.
Political Implications and Economic Impact
Imamoglu, who won a significant share of votes in the 2019 Istanbul mayoral race, was seen as a potential presidential contender in the upcoming elections. His arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and European nations, who view the move as a step backward for Turkey’s democracy.
“The arrest of Imamoglu undermines justice in Turkey,” said Adem Bali, a supporter of the mayor. “This is an injustice, and he was imprisoned without cause.”
The political turmoil surrounding the protests has also had an economic impact. The Turkish lira weakened, and stock markets experienced a sharp decline, prompting the central bank to intervene. Erdogan reassured investors, stating that the government’s priority remains protecting Turkey’s financial stability amid the ongoing political unrest.
International Reaction and Future Uncertainty
Internationally, the EU has expressed concern over the political crisis in Turkey, with Germany criticizing the jailing of Imamoglu and warning that it undermines Turkey’s aspirations for EU membership. A planned EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting was postponed, citing the current political climate.
The protests against Imamoglu’s imprisonment have become one of the largest public reactions in Turkey in over a decade, signaling a volatile period ahead. Political analysts suggest that the situation will continue to evolve unpredictably, as Erdogan’s government faces growing dissent both at home and abroad.
Wolfango Piccoli, co-president of consultancy firm Teneo, stated, “These protests mark a significant turning point. The fallout from Imamoglu’s jailing could have lasting implications for Turkey’s political and economic stability.”
With tensions running high, the future of Turkish politics remains uncertain, as the nation grapples with one of the most intense political crises in years.
