Istanbul: Turkish police have arrested 1,100 people during protests across the country following the arrest of President Recep Tayyip Erdo ۔an’s rival and former Istanbul mayor Akram Imam Oghlu. They include several journalists.
Protests have spread to more than 55 Turkish provinces from Istanbul after Imam Oghlu’s arrest on corruption and terrorism charges, where intense clashes are taking place between protesters and police.
Imam Oghlu, 53, is considered the only Turkish politician who could defeat Erdo ۔an in the 2028 elections. His arrest is being described as an attempt to strengthen political revenge and Erdogan’s power.
The global community is also responding strongly to the transfer of Imam Oghlo to the prison. Germany, Greece, France and the European Union have condemned the action, increasing the pressure on Turkey to maintain democratic principles.
The French Foreign Ministry called the move a “serious attack on democracy”, while the European Union said that Turkey would have to protect democratic values.
On Monday, students from Istanbul and Ankara’s universities boycotted classes and shouted slogans against the government. Meanwhile, preparations are underway at the Bashkatash Port at 1400 GMT, while a major protest gathering is expected outside the Istanbul City Hall at 1730 GMT.
The worst political crisis in Turkey has become a major challenge for the Erdo ۔an government, while the protests are feared in the country.
