Erdogan Labels Turkey Protests ‘Evil’ Amid Ongoing Unrest

Protests in Turkey, ignited by the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, show growing public dissent against President Erdogan's government.

Turkey is witnessing escalating protests for the sixth consecutive night, following the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke out against what he describes as a "movement of violence," attributing unrest to opposition political parties, whom he claims are inciting disturbances. Protesters gathered in large numbers during the turmoil, notably at Istanbul’s city hall where chants and Turkish flags were prevalent.

The unrest exploded last Wednesday when Imamoglu was taken into custody, which many believe is a politically motivated attack against Erdogan's main rival. He has called the allegations against him an attempt to undermine his leadership and labeled the protests as “evil.” Erdogan insisted that the opposition parties' "provocations" are jeopardizing public peace while urging the population to cease their outcries.

Despite the volatile atmosphere, significant portions of the demonstrations have remained peaceful, a contrast to aggressive clashes with police using tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday night. According to government statistics, over 1,133 individuals have been arrested since the demonstrations began. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel addressed crowds on Monday, framing the protest as a "defiance against fascism," and underlining the escalating resistance.

As the political landscape shifts, Imamoglu has been reaffirmed as the Republican People's Party's (CHP) candidate for the upcoming 2028 presidential election, even from his current detainment. He was formally charged with multiple offenses, including running a criminal organization and bribery, during the weekend. In a message shared on social media, Imamoglu vowed to "never bow" in the face of what he deems an assault on democracy.

The protests are reminiscent of the Gezi demonstrations of 2013, serving as a platform for citizens expressing dissatisfaction with the Erdogan administration. Dilek Kaya Imamoglu, the mayor's wife, spoke to supporters, emphasizing that her husband’s struggle resonates on a deeply moral level for many. While Erdogan cannot seek another term in 2028 without constitutional changes, the protests have ignited fierce debate over Turkey's political future. The Ministry of Justice has rejected claims linking Erdogan to the arrests and reinforced the independence of the judiciary.