Despite a ban on gatherings, roadblocks, and a wave of detentions over social media posts, thousands of Turkish citizens were expected to escalate demonstrations on Thursday against what they deem the unjust arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
Imamoglu, the chief political challenger to President Tayyip Erdogan, was taken into custody on Wednesday on charges of corruption and alleged ties to a terrorist organization. The opposition has denounced the move as a "political coup," sparking widespread protests across the country.
His detention marks the peak of an ongoing legal assault on opposition figures, a crackdown critics say is designed to stifle dissent and weaken political opponents ahead of elections.
"We must stand together as a nation against this injustice," Imamoglu declared on X, urging members of Erdogan’s ruling party and the judiciary to uphold democratic values. "This is no longer about political affiliations; it is about protecting the future of our people and families. Now is the time to speak up."
The government has dismissed claims of political motivation behind the arrest and warned against linking Imamoglu’s case to Erdogan. Authorities swiftly imposed a four-day ban on public gatherings and restricted access to social media platforms to curb mobilization.
On Thursday, security forces fortified key locations in Istanbul, blocking roads and deploying water cannon trucks near the police station where Imamoglu is being held.
"They have unjustly detained the mayor we elected with our votes," said Ali Izar, a commuter in central Istanbul. "This is far from democracy, and I strongly condemn it."
Public demonstrations have been heavily suppressed in Turkey since the 2013 Gezi Park protests, which were met with a violent crackdown. However, thousands defied restrictions on Wednesday, flooding streets, university campuses, and public squares in Istanbul, Ankara, and beyond.
At Istanbul’s municipal headquarters, protesters displayed banners of Imamoglu and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, alongside national flags. Crowds echoed chants against the government, determined to resist what they see as an authoritarian power grab.
The timing of Imamoglu’s arrest is particularly significant, occurring just days before his Republican People's Party (CHP) was expected to name him as its next presidential candidate.
"The people will have their say once again," said Yusuf Demirci, 34, one of Imamoglu’s supporters. "As you saw yesterday, the streets are filled. The real verdict will come from the squares and the ballot box. Justice will prevail."
The arrest also rattled financial markets, triggering a sharp drop in the Turkish lira, which fell from 36.67 to 38 against the U.S. dollar before partially rebounding. Banking stocks took a hit amid concerns over declining rule of law and uncertainty over economic policies, particularly interest rate cuts.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that 37 people had been detained for "provocative social media posts inciting crime and hatred." Authorities also identified 261 accounts, including 62 operated from abroad, allegedly involved in spreading unrest.
In a further blow to Imamoglu, authorities seized his construction company, Imamoglu Construction, Trade, and Industry, placing it under court control, according to Istanbul’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Meanwhile, the crackdown extended to Istanbul’s municipal government, with 105 city employees arrested alongside the mayor.