Protests rocked Turkey for the second night on Thursday after authorities arrested Istanbul’s Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. As the main opposition leader, he posed a major challenge to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Police arrested him just days before he planned to announce his candidacy for the 2028 presidential election.

Erdogan’s Crackdown on Political Opponents

Since 2003, Erdogan has ruled Turkey with an increasingly tight grip. Over the years, he has jailed journalists, activists, and opposition leaders. Critics say these arrests are politically motivated and aim to silence dissent. Imamoglu’s arrest is the latest in a series of crackdowns against those challenging Erdogan’s rule.

Mass Protests and Police Crackdown

Thousands of protesters took to the streets in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Adana. People waved flags and chanted slogans demanding Imamoglu’s release. In response, security forces used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.

Serious Charges Against Imamoglu

On Wednesday, police raided Imamoglu’s home at dawn. Authorities charged him with bribery, extortion, fraud, and illegally obtaining personal data. Additionally, they accused him of links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey considers a terrorist group. However, opposition leaders argue these charges are false and politically motivated.

Dozens Arrested Alongside Imamoglu

Along with Imamoglu, police detained journalists, business leaders, and municipal workers. The arrests sparked outrage among citizens and opposition groups. Many believe Erdogan’s government is targeting anyone who speaks against him.

Public Outrage Grows

Videos and images from the protests show large crowds voicing their anger. The BBC reported that Istanbul’s trains played a message saying, “I promise you with my honour that I am going to win this fight.” Meanwhile, university students marched with banners reading, “We are not scared, we won’t be silenced, we will not obey.”

Another user posted a vedio and wrote on X, "Right now, almost one million people are protesting in the streets of Türkiye. They are demanding that President Erdogan resign immediately. This is a huge moment in the country’s history. The people are raising their voices for change, and the world is watching closely."

Right now, almost one million people are protesting in the streets of Türkiye. They are demanding that President Erdogan resign immediately. This is a huge moment in the country’s history. The people are raising their voices for change, and the world is watching closely.#Erdogan… pic.twitter.com/0PrFJ3uz4r

— Sayed Hussain (@SayedHussain572) March 20, 2025

A disturbing video on social media showed police attacking a blind protester. Photos later revealed injuries on his face, further fueling public outrage.

#NoComment A blind protestor was kicked and had his white cane broken by police during anti-government demonstrations in Turkey, leaving him disoriented as he struggled to find his way. The protests erupted after the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key rival to… pic.twitter.com/o6nz5ecLbP

— Stockholm Center for Freedom (@StockholmCF) March 19, 2025

Erdogan Faces Strong Opposition

Although Erdogan has ruled for over two decades, resistance against him is growing. In the 2019 and 2024 elections, Imamoglu’s CHP party won Istanbul and other major cities. This was a significant defeat for Erdogan, as his party had controlled Istanbul for 25 years. He himself had served as the city’s mayor before becoming Turkey’s leader.

Now, Imamoglu’s arrest has sparked a new wave of political unrest. Many see it as a desperate move to weaken the opposition before the next election. However, with protests gaining momentum, Erdogan’s grip on power may face its biggest challenge yet.