More Than 2 Million People Protest: Türkiye Against the Government

In an unprecedented display of civil unrest, over two million Turkish citizens converged in Istanbul to demand the immediate release of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the city’s mayor and a prominent opposition figure. This massive assembly shows a profound national discontent with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s administration and its recent actions against political adversaries.

Ekrem İmamoğlu, born on June 4, 1970, in Akçaabat, Trabzon, pursued higher education at Istanbul University, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration followed by a master’s in human resources management. His political ascent began with his election as Mayor of Beylikdüzü in 2014, leading to his pivotal role as Istanbul’s mayor in 2019. His tenure has been marked by significant electoral victories over Erdoğan’s allies, positioning him as a formidable contender in Turkish politics.

The catalyst for the current upheaval was İmamoğlu’s arrest on March 19, 2025, by Turkish authorities on charges encompassing corruption, bribery, money laundering, and alleged affiliations with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). These accusations are widely perceived as politically motivated attempts to undermine his influence and thwart his potential presidential candidacy in the 2028 elections. Compounding the controversy, Istanbul University annulled his academic degree on March 18, citing irregularities—a move that effectively disqualifies him from presidential eligibility.

In response to İmamoğlu’s detention, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), under the leadership of Özgür Özel, orchestrated nationwide protests, decrying the arrest as a “civilian coup” against democracy. The Istanbul Governor’s Office reacted by imposing a four-day ban on public gatherings and deploying security forces to suppress dissent. Despite these measures, demonstrators flooded the streets, chanting slogans such as “İmamoğlu, you are not alone!” and “Erdoğan, dictator!” Clashes between protesters and police were reported, with law enforcement utilizing pepper spray and water cannons to disperse crowds.

The government’s crackdown extended to the media, with reports of journalists being detained and restrictions imposed on social media platforms to stifle the dissemination of information. Notably, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) enforced broadcasting bans on non-government-affiliated outlets, further tightening control over the narrative surrounding the protests.

International reactions have been swift and critical. The Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and various human rights organizations have condemned İmamoğlu’s arrest, viewing it as a blatant affront to democratic principles and the will of the Turkish populace. Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Europe, Dinushika Dissanayake, characterized the government’s actions as “draconian,” highlighting a troubling escalation in the suppression of peaceful dissent.

The economic ramifications of the political turmoil are palpable. The Turkish lira has depreciated significantly, plummeting 16.3% against the US dollar in the three days following İmamoğlu’s arrest. This financial instability reflects investor apprehension and underscores the broader economic impact of the government’s authoritarian maneuvers.

Despite the risks associated with protesting under an increasingly repressive regime, the Turkish citizenry’s resolve remains unshaken. The massive turnout at the Istanbul rally epitomizes a collective yearning for democratic governance and the rule of law. Protesters have articulated sentiments of anger, disempowerment, and shame over the current political climate, emphasizing their commitment to securing a hopeful future for Turkey’s youth and the preservation of the republic’s foundational values.

The arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu and the subsequent nationwide protests represent a critical inflection point in Turkey’s political trajectory. As the Erdoğan administration intensifies its grip on power, the burgeoning pro-democracy movement signals a robust and unwavering opposition. The unfolding events will undoubtedly have profound implications for the nation’s democratic institutions, civil liberties, and the broader struggle for political freedom in Turkey.