Briefly, Political Conflicts In Turkey After The Istanbul Mayor’s Arrest

İstanbul Mayor's Arrest Started Nationwide Protests

Former Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who just announced his candidacy for the 2028 presidential elections, was arrested for corruption. Imamoglu rejects the allegations and is currently in custody for interrogation. 

Before his arrest, the Mayor’s university diploma was also canceled a couple of days ago, with accusations that his diploma and transfer to Istanbul University from another university in Cyprus were counterfeit. Due to legislation, his degree’s cancellation has jeopardized his participation in the following election. However, before his arrest in Congress, Imamoglu announced that he would again take the university entrance exam (YKS) to prove his innocence. 

Many citizens around the country have participated in several protests regarding the misconceptions, despite police force and protest bans in Izmir and the capital city, Ankara. Many people complain about the abuse of power in the government and injustice towards the indigent. 

Imamoglu’s party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), has placed “Democracy and Justice Boxes” as a tribute to Imamoglu’s arrest. Millions of people have voted for justice and keep on protesting across the nation. Some universities postpone their examinations due to political conflicts happening. 

On Saturday, chaos occurred due to clashes between the protestors and the police force, as they sprayed tear gas and pepper spray in order to push back the citizens who threw rocks at officers. 

According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, 343 people have been arrested during the nationwide protests last night. 

As his first response after his arrest, Imamoglu stated that he would not bow down. The party has also called people to protest this injustice and vote in the “Democracy Boxes.” However, the President has commented on the Party’s invitation as “provoking the country and causing commotion.” Some politicians interpret Imamoglu’s arrest as a “political elimination.” 

Economic Outcomes: Boycotts and Stock Market Declines

In a show of unity with İmamoğlu, various opposition groups have started economic boycotts targeting businesses linked to President Erdoğan. CHP has called for weekly rallies and an extension of the boycott to include prominent enterprises such as the Doğuş Group and its affiliates, including Nusr-Et steakhouses. These actions aim to exert economic pressure on the government. 

Türkiye’s situation has also raised concerns about the freedom of the press. Remarkably, BBC journalist Mark Lowen was detained and deported for reporting on the protests, an action that has pulled international criticism and highlighted the challenges faced by journalists operating in the country.

The chaos has had economic outcomes as well. The Turkish Lira experienced

a steep drop, trading at around 38 to the dollar, down from 36.5 the previous day. The İstanbul Stock Exchange also saw a significant drop of nearly 10%, mirroring investor worries over the political instability.

As Türkiye deals with this unstable period, the international community is closely monitoring the progress, especially regarding the implications for democracy and human rights in the country.

Any recent progresses and news can be followed through our website.

Source: BBC, Reuters

Author: Filiz BEDELZADE and Sude DEMİRBAŞ