Mon Mar 24 08:48:01 UTC 2025: ## Turkish Journalists Detained Amidst Nationwide Protests Following Istanbul Mayor’s Arrest
**Istanbul, Turkey** – The arrest and imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Sunday, March 23, 2025, sparked widespread protests across Turkey and resulted in the detention of at least nine journalists covering the demonstrations. The Journalists Union of Turkey reported the detentions on Monday, March 24, with one detained journalist identified as an Agence France-Presse photographer. The reason for the journalists’ detention remains unclear.
Imamoglu, a prominent political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was jailed pending trial on corruption charges. The ruling triggered the largest anti-government protests in Turkey in over a decade. Despite government bans on public gatherings in many cities, demonstrations continued for a fifth consecutive night on Sunday.
Thousands participated in the largely peaceful protests, with the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leading the calls for Imamoglu’s release, denouncing the court decision as politically motivated and undemocratic. The government maintains that the investigations are independent and denies any political interference. Imamoglu himself has rejected the charges as false accusations.
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel vowed to continue protests until Imamoglu’s release. Over 340 people have reportedly been detained during the mass protests across the country. Riot police used anti-riot rifles and pepper spray to disperse some crowds. The situation remains tense as protests continue and the fate of the detained journalists remains uncertain.
First Piper 