The Turkish president has criticised the country’s main opposition party, claiming demonstrations against the jailing of his main political rival turned into “a movement of violence”.
On the past five nights, thousands of people have filled the streets in multiple Turkish cities to protest against the detention and arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul.
Having been detained last Wednesday, Mr Imamoglu was formally arrested and jailed pending trial on Sunday, galvanising another night of protests.
Speaking in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today said the Republican People’s Party (CHP) was responsible for any property damage and harm to police officers.
He said the party would eventually feel ashamed for the “evil” they have done to Turkey.
While the demonstrations have largely been peaceful, there were some clashes – with police using water cannons, pepper spray and tear gas against protesters, some of whom threw stones and fireworks at riot officers.
Turkey’s interior minister said 1,133 people were detained between 19 March and 23 March.
He said 123 police officers had been injured in the protests, with acid, fireworks, Molotov cocktails and knives being seized.
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Mr Imamoglu – one of 48 people jailed pending trial over the weekend – has been charged with running a criminal organisation, accepting bribes, extortion, illegally recording personal data and bid-rigging.
He has labelled all the charges “unimaginable accusations and slanders”.
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The man who triggered Turkey protests
Following his formal arrest on Sunday, the mayor was transferred to Silivri prison, west of Istanbul.
Many view his detention as a political move to remove him from the 2028 presidential race – deepening concerns over the country’s democracy and the rule of law.
The Turkish government insists the courts are independent and denies Mr Imamoglu’s arrest was politically motivated.
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A protester holds a placard that reads ‘My underwear is cleaner than Erdogan’ at Sunday’s protest. Pic: Reuters
Mr Erdogan has served as Turkey’s president since his Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power in 2003.
Its biggest opponent in the next election looks set to be the Republican People’s Party (CHP), which this weekend began holding a primary presidential election to endorse Mr Imamoglu, their only presidential candidate.
The party also set up solidarity boxes where non-members could show their support. At the time of Sunday’s night’s protest, more than 13 million had done so, according to the CHP.
In a post on social media, Mr Imamoglu praised the result, saying the people had told Mr Erdogan: “Enough is enough.”
“That ballot box will arrive and the nation will deliver a slap to the administration it will never forget,” he said.
