Newsturkish cities roiled by protests over mayor's arrest

turkish cities roiled by protests over mayor's arrest

In Izmir, Turkey, police used water cannons to disperse demonstrators protesting the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. Demonstrations have also been taking place in Ankara and Istanbul for several days.

The police used water cannons against protesters in Izmir.
The police used water cannons against protesters in Izmir.
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Justyna Lasota-Krawczyk

  • Where and when did the protests occur? The demonstrations took place in Izmir, Ankara, and Istanbul. On Tuesday, police intervened using water cannons.
  • Why was there a protest? The reason was a reaction to the arrest of Istanbul's opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, who was accused of corruption.
  • What were the authorities' reactions? The governors of the three cities implemented bans on gatherings, which have been extended several times.

Reaction to Imamoglu's arrest

Police in Izmir used water cannons to disperse a crowd of protesters who gathered to express opposition to the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu. Protesters, including many young people, set up barricades using metal trash containers and chanted slogans supporting Ataturk. Protests also took place in Ankara, where the crowd shouted anti-government slogans.

In Istanbul, thousands gathered in Sarachane Park, including youth with nationalist and anarchist symbols. The leader of the opposition Republican People's Party, Ozgur Ozel, called for Imamoglu's trial to be made public. Police, despite calls to disperse, were forced to intervene when some protesters resisted.

Major riots in Turkey. Police used force

What's next for protests in Turkey?

Authorities implemented bans on gatherings in Izmir, Ankara, and Istanbul, which have been extended several times. Nevertheless, the protests continue, and the situation remains tense. In Istanbul, in front of the metropolitan authorities' headquarters, massive protests have been taking place for a week, and the police are trying to control the situation.

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