Turkey in turmoil: Nationwide protests over mayor's arrest
In Izmir, Turkey, the police deployed water cannons to disperse demonstrators protesting against the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. Protests have also been occurring in Ankara and Istanbul over the past several days.
- Where and when did the protests occur? Demonstrations took place in Izmir, Ankara, and Istanbul. The police intervened on Tuesday using water cannons.
- Why were they protesting? The protests were a reaction to the arrest of Istanbul's opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, who has been accused of corruption.
- What were the authorities' reactions? The governors of the three cities imposed assembly bans, which were extended multiple times.
Reaction to Imamoglu's arrest
Police in Izmir used water cannons to disperse the crowds protesting the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu. Demonstrators, many of whom were young people, set up barricades with metal rubbish containers and chanted slogans in support of Ataturk. Protests also took place in Ankara, where crowds shouted anti-government slogans.
In Istanbul, thousands gathered in Sarachane Park, including youths displaying nationalist and anarchist symbols. Ozgur Ozel, leader of the opposition Republican People's Party, called for Imamoglu's trial to be made public. Despite calls to disperse, police were compelled to intervene when some protesters resisted.
What next for the protests in Turkey?
Assembly bans have been imposed in Izmir, Ankara, and Istanbul, with extensions enacted multiple times. Nonetheless, protests persist and the situation remains tense. In front of Istanbul's metropolitan authorities' headquarters, massive protests have been ongoing for a week, with police attempting to maintain control.
