Sat Mar 22 01:59:59 UTC 2025: **Turkish Crackdown Sparks Nationwide Protests After Arrest of Istanbul Mayor**

ISTANBUL, TURKEY — Widespread protests erupted across Turkey on Friday, March 21, 2025, following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure and rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Thousands took to the streets in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and other cities, demanding the mayor’s release.

Imamoglu, arrested Wednesday morning on charges of corruption and alleged links to terrorism, has denied all accusations. His arrest is widely seen as a politically motivated move to suppress opposition ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. The government insists the legal actions are independent of political considerations.

In Istanbul, police responded to protests with pepper spray, tear gas, and rubber bullets, clashing with demonstrators near the city’s historic aqueduct. Similar forceful measures were used in Ankara and Izmir. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported at least 97 arrests nationwide.

Despite President Erdogan’s warning against protests, the opposition, led by the Republican People’s Party (CHP), urged continued peaceful demonstrations. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel accused Erdogan of using the judiciary to eliminate a political opponent. Erdogan, in turn, condemned the protests as attempts to exploit the situation for personal gain and vowed to maintain order.

Authorities in several cities imposed temporary bans on demonstrations and increased security measures, including road closures and metro station shutdowns. The CHP plans to proceed with a primary election on Sunday to nominate Imamoglu as their presidential candidate, even with the mayor’s detention. The party also called for a symbolic vote using improvised ballot boxes to show support. Analysts warn that a formal charge linking Imamoglu to the PKK could lead to his removal from office. The CHP also announced an extraordinary party congress for April 6th to preempt potential government intervention.

Separately, an attack on the Iraqi consulate in Istanbul occurred on Friday, with gunmen firing shots at the building before fleeing. No injuries were reported, and Turkish authorities launched an investigation.

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