Turkey Protest: Thousands Take To Streets, Nearly 1,500 Arrested In Crackdown

In one of Turkey’s largest protests in over a decade, nearly 1,500 people have been detained—including an AFP photographer—after thousands took to the streets in defiance of the government. The demonstrations erupted following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges, a move widely criticized as politically motivated.

Authorities have responded with a severe crackdown, detaining protesters across the country. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed on social media platform X that 1,418 people had been arrested for participating in what the government deemed “illegal demonstrations.”

Journalists Targeted in Crackdown

Among those detained are seven journalists who were covering the protests. An Istanbul court remanded them into custody, including AFP photographer Yasin Akgul, drawing sharp criticism from the Paris-based news agency. AFP CEO Fabrice Fries called Akgul’s arrest “unacceptable” and urged Turkish authorities for his immediate release, emphasizing that he was merely performing his duties as a journalist.

Media rights organizations, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF), condemned the arrests. RSF’s Turkey representative, Erol Onderoglu, called the detentions “scandalous,” warning that they reflect a worsening climate for press freedom in the country.

Defiance Amidst Government Crackdown

Despite a government-imposed protest ban, vast crowds have continued to demonstrate daily since Imamoglu’s arrest on March 19. The unrest has spread across Turkey, with protesters clashing with security forces in nightly confrontations. Students in Istanbul’s Sisli district took to the streets, chanting slogans like “government, resign,” while residents showed their support by banging pots and pans from their windows.

In response to the escalating protests, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denounced the demonstrations as “street terror,” vowing that those involved would face severe consequences. “Those who spread terror in the streets and want to set fire to this country have nowhere to go,” Erdogan stated.

Calls for Early Elections Gain Momentum

The Republican People’s Party (CHP), Imamoglu’s political faction, has been leading the protests. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel announced a mass rally for Saturday in Istanbul, calling it the “largest open-air referendum in history” to push for early elections.

“We have had enough and we want early elections,” Ozel declared, emphasizing that arrests would not deter the movement.

International Concern Over Turkey’s Actions

The Turkish government’s heavy-handed response has sparked condemnation from international organizations. The Council of Europe criticized the “disproportionate” use of force against protesters, while Human Rights Watch called the situation a “dark time for democracy.”

The United Nations also voiced alarm over mass detentions and the Turkish government’s blanket ban on protests, urging authorities to investigate any instances of excessive force. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concerns over the crackdown in a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

As tensions continue to rise, the Turkish opposition remains resolute, vowing to intensify their efforts to challenge the government’s actions and demand a return to democratic principles.