Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Istanbul on Saturday, March 30, 2025, in one of the largest protests against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government in recent years. The mass mobilization was triggered by the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and potential presidential challenger, on corruption and terrorism charges widely seen as politically motivated.
Escalating Tensions
The protest, organized by the Republican People’s Party (CHP), saw crowds chanting "Government, resign!" and "Justice for Imamoglu!" as riot police deployed tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators. Clashes erupted in multiple districts, with at least 97 arrests reported. Imamoglu’s detention on March 26 just days before his expected nomination as the CHP’s 2028 presidential candidate has galvanized opposition forces, with CHP leader Özgür Özel declaring, "Your lawlessness has brought people to the streets".
International Condemnation
The EU and human rights groups have criticized Erdogan’s crackdown, with Amnesty International warning of an "alarming intensification" in the targeting of critics through vague anti-terror laws. While the European Commission cautiously urged Turkey to uphold democratic values, analysts note the bloc’s tempered response reflects geopolitical calculations, given Turkey’s strategic NATO role and arms industry ties.
Erdogan’s Defiance
The Turkish president dismissed the protests as "street terrorism," vowing not to yield to "vandalism". His government insists the judiciary is independent, but critics point to a years-long pattern of silencing dissent, including the blocking of Deutsche Welle’s Turkish-language websites over licensing disputes.
Broader Implications
The protests underscore deepening polarization in Turkey, with Erdogan leveraging nationalist rhetoric and legal maneuvers to sideline rivals ahead of potential constitutional changes for his re-election bid. Meanwhile, the opposition seeks to capitalize on Imamoglu’s arrest to unite fragmented factions.
Sources: DW