Thu Mar 27 13:32:36 UTC 2025: ## Turkish Police Crack Down on Anti-Government Protests Following Mayor’s Arrest

**Istanbul, Turkey –** Large-scale anti-government protests in Turkey continued on Thursday, March 27, 2025, marked by clashes between police and demonstrators following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Police used pepper spray, water cannons, and plastic pellets to disperse protesters, particularly students near Middle East Technical University in Ankara. At least 1,900 people have been arrested nationwide since the demonstrations began last week, including 11 journalists, one of whom, BBC reporter Mark Lowen, was deported.

Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure and potential presidential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was arrested on corruption and terrorism charges, which critics widely view as politically motivated. The government maintains the judiciary’s independence, but concerns remain regarding the use of secret witnesses and the credibility of the evidence.

Interior Minister Ali Yerkikaya stated that 1,879 suspects have been detained, with 260 jailed pending trial. He also reported injuries to 150 police officers. The arrests have targeted individuals associated with left-wing parties, trade unions, and civil society groups. While some protesters have been released under judicial control, many remain detained facing charges including resisting arrest and violating protest bans. Imamoglu’s arrest itself was the catalyst for these widespread demonstrations, which are considered the largest anti-government protests in over a decade. The mayor, confirmed as the CHP presidential candidate on the day of his imprisonment, remains in jail pending trial. The protests reflect growing discontent over Turkey’s perceived democratic backsliding, authoritarianism, and economic woes.

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