Protests in Turkey: Government under pressure after Imamoglu's festival!

Protests in Turkey: Government under pressure after Imamoglu's festival!

The Istanbul public prosecutor has raised charges against 819 people who took part in non -approved demonstrations. Of these there are 278 in custody. Some of the accused could threaten prison terms of up to five years, in a certain case even up to nine years. These legal steps are in the context of intensive protests that broke out on March 19 after the arrest of the Mayor of Istanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu. The arrest was the largest wave of government -critical protests in Turkey for years.

İmamoğlu, which was arrested for corruption and terrorist allegations, is considered one of the main losers of this political repression. After his arrest, the CHP appointed him a presidential candidate. In the arrest, the opposition sees an attempt by the government to eliminate an important political rival. The Istanbul governor initially prohibited the demonstrations, but they have been allowed again since the end of March. On Tuesday, several hundred people came together in the Kadiköy district for a protest.

repression against opposition forces

As part of this protest wave, around 2,000 people have already been arrested. Of these there are 260 in custody. The Istanbul public prosecutor calls up to three years in prison for 74 of the arrested. Due to the protests, allegations against the security forces are repeated, some of which are brutally against peaceful demonstrators. The journalist Deniz Yücel described the situation as the beginning of a new wave of repression.

The arrest of İmamoğlu is often seen as part of a larger plan to eliminate the opposition CHP and its leaders such as İmamoğlu, who lie in surveys to President Erdoğan. Before his arrest, Turkey experienced growing repression towards political opponents and activists. Already in February, 52 people were arrested in ten cities, including Istanbul, by the Erdoğan regime. This repression affects politicians, artists and journalists who often support progressive parties.

criticism and international reactions

various international politicians and organizations are concerned about developments in Turkey. The European Court of Human Rights calls for the release of Selahatt Demirtaş, which has been detained since 2016. The EU Commission, which is currently exposing its membership negotiations with Turkey, has so far taken no measures regarding İmamoğlu. Erdoğan often uses the geopolitical role of Türkiye to practice negotiation pressure compared to European countries.

The CHP has also started a signature campaign that is committed to the release of numerous imprisoned opposition politicians and calls for early new elections. While the repression is accused of the protesting opposition, the population is increasingly concerned about democracy and fundamental rights in Turkey. Despite the reprisals, the opposition powers are tirelessly continuing their struggle for freedom and democracy.