More than 1,100 detained in mass protests

Protesters have demonstrated for five consecutive nights after authorities arrested leading opposition figure Ekrem Imamoglu. Turkey's Interior Ministry said at least 1,100 people have been detained so far in connection with the demonstrations.

Amid the unrest, the opposition CHP party held a symbolic primary to select Imamoglu as its presidential candidate in the next elections set for 2028.

Meanwhile, around a dozen journalists were reportedly detained for covering protests across the country.

Imamoglu has been seen as the main threat to Recep Tayyip Erdogan's two decades of rule as president and, earlier, prime minister.

One of Turkey's most popular politicians, Imamoglu comes across as relaxed, eloquent, contemporary: He has always known how to appeal to different social groups, wants to include everyone in politics and prefers a more inclusive style of politics, that does not discriminate or offend.

The 54-year-old's attitude has certainly contributed to his popularity in Turkey's increasingly polarized society in recent years. The mayor of Istanbul since 2019, Imamoglu is seen as one of current Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most serious rivals and his secular Republican People's Party, or CHP, was set to make him their candidate for upcoming presidential elections.

Despite his genial ways, on March 19, Imamoglu was arrested on corruption charges and suspicion of terrorism. The terrorism charges have since been dismissed, but a court has ruled he must remain in pre-trial detention.

The arrest has triggered the largest opposition protests in Turkey since the so-called Gezi protests in 2013. Despite a massive police presence, thousands of people have taken to the streets across the country demonstrating against what they see as a ploy to stop Imamoglu's bid for the presidency.

IMAMOGLU CALLS FOR 6TH NIGHT OF PROTESTS IN ISTANBUL:

Detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has called for a sixth night of protests in the city on Monday.

In a post on social media, Imamoglu called on young people to avoid clashes with police.

He also told protesters he would be with them in spirit.

"I'm working hard, I will work even harder. Where I am does not matter," he said.

Germany is following the events in Turkey with "great concern," the outgoing government said on Monday.

"The arrest and suspension of the mayor of Istanbul is totally unacceptable," said Steffen Hebestreit, a spokesperson for outgoing chancellor Olaf Scholz.

"This must be clarified very quickly and transparently."

Hebestreit added that "the latest developments are a bad sign for democracy in Turkey," as well as for the development of relations between Turkey and the EU.

The European Union also called on Turkey to "uphold democratic values" on Monday.

"We want Turkey to remain anchored to Europe, but this requires a clear commitment to democratic norms and practices," a European Commission spokesperson told reporters in Brussels.

Meanwhile, Turkey's Mediterranean neighbor Greece said any undermining of the rule of law and civil liberties "cannot be tolerated" and that Ankara would have to provide "convincing answers" for any alleged violations of these principles.

Turkey and Greece have been at diplomatic loggerheads for decades over a number of issues including - but not limited to - maritime borders in the Aegean Sea, ethnically divided Cyprus and minority rights in each country.

Turkish police have detained more than 1,100 people since ongoing mass demonstrations erupted in Turkish cities to protest the arrest of opposition figure and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on March 19. 

"1,133 suspects were detained in illegal activities carried out between March 19 and March 23," Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on social media.
He claimed among those arrested were "individuals affiliated with 12 different terrorist organizations."

Yerlikaya added more than 120 police officers have been injured in the protests.

>>Agency