Türkiye, March of thousands of opposition supporters

Thousands of supporters of the Turkish opposition gathered in the evening in the center of Istanbul and protests in defense of the arrested mayor of the Imamogle Ekrem. There were clashes with the police. Politician – one of the greatest rivals of the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan – was brought on Saturday to the city court for auditions in a case that the opposition considers to be fake.

In response to the call of the Opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), from which the imamogle detained on Wednesday comes, thousands of people went to the Sarachane Park located in the European part of Istanbul.

The crowd chanted: “Shoulder to arm against fascism” and “We are soldiers of Mustafa Kemal”, the first president Turkey and the founder of CHP. The columns arriving at the place were appreciated by the city's inhabitants.

Reuters reported that the police used pepper spray in the evening towards protesters who shot racing at her.

“Everything will be beautiful”

The demonstration appeared, among others Youth of the National Action Party (MHP) – the far -right coalition partner of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) of the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Among the dominant youth are elderly people and even families with children. – Everything will be beautiful – say the inhabitants of Istanbul, quoting the election slogan of their mayor.

A significant part of the protesters cover faces with scarves, scarves or hygiene masks for fear of – as they pointed out in an interview with PAP – recording the manifestation by the police and the use of tear gas by the safety forces.

Streets and metro stations were closed in many points of the city. Thousands of police officers control limited traffic in Istanbul and surrounds the places of the largest gatherings.

Mayor before the court

The Imamogle screen was questioned by the police in two matters regarding – according to investigators – corruption and relationships with a terrorist organization.

On Saturday evening he was brought to the city court in the Caglayan district in Istanbul, protected by the cordon of armed policemen from prevention departments.

Hundreds of supporters greeted the imamogle with applause and shout of support. Demonstrators kept Turkish flags in their hands.

“My future and my children have been stolen,” one of the men shouted to the gathered. “Take your voice, otherwise you will be next,” demonstrators said to the Turks.

There were also shouts aimed at the president of the country Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “Tayyip, give up!”, “Who doesn't jump, this Tayyip!” The demonstrators chanted.

Hundreds of policemen with shields and sticks

People of all ages gathered in front of the seat of the Municipal Court in Istanbul; They kept Turkish flags and images of Mustafa Kemala Atatura.

The entrances to the building were blocked by metal barriers and hundreds of prevention ward policemen equipped with sticks, shields and rifles for rubber cartridges. Several dozen armored cars were placed nearby. Roads leading to court were temporarily closed.

Reuters, citing court documents, previously reported that the imamogle had denied the allegations related to terrorism. “Today during the interrogation I see that me and my colleagues are in the face of unimaginable accusations and slander,” he said.

Detention of the mayor

Imamogle He was detained on Wednesday in connection with matters related to corruption and connections with the terrorist organization. In response to the arrest, his supporters have been organizing mass protests in the largest cities of the country from Wednesdays.

During Friday's demonstration, 343 people were detained – Turkey Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Saturday.

On Sunday – as the imamogle announced – there will be primaries to select the candidate of the Republican People's Party for President in elections scheduled for 2028. The politician called on supporters to continue the protests.

The main character of the opposition

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoganwho won the second round of elections in 2023 with the candidate of the Republican People's Party, said on Friday that the government would not give up “street terror”. Turkish authorities pay attention to the independence of the courts, and the summons to protests define irresponsible.

Imamoglu is the key figure of the opposition and the potential opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who exercises many years of rule in Turkey.