Yesterday, hundreds of thousands of pro-democracy protesters gathered in Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet Square to show their support for Ekrem İmamoğlu, the imprisoned mayor of the city. This massive rally, organized by Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), was held in protest against İmamoğlu’s imprisonment on charges of widespread corruption. The CHP has nominated Mr. İmamoğlu as one of the main candidates for the upcoming presidential elections, asserting that the case is politically motivated and designed to suppress opposition.
Since the onset of scattered protests over the past ten days, particularly following the announcement of İmamoğlu’s verdict, Turkish authorities have detained nearly two thousand individuals. Reports indicate that security forces have, in some instances, used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters.
Özgür Çelik, the head of the Istanbul branch of the Republican People’s Party, read out a letter sent by Ekrem İmamoğlu from Marmara Prison to the protest rally, amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd.
Mr. İmamoğlu wrote in this letter with a resolute tone: ‘These prison bars hold no significance for me, as I have committed no crime. Not only am I not regretful of the work I have done as mayor to serve the people of Istanbul, but I am proud of it. In this fabricated case, it is not I who must clear my name, but those who play with justice.’ He also called on the people to continue their fight for democracy and justice.
Özgür Özel, the leader of the Republican People’s Party, delivered a fiery speech at this massive gathering, highlighting the government’s efforts to create obstacles for people reaching the rally site, including artificial traffic jams and stringent inspections. He stated, ‘Some, in their dark rooms, imagined that the square would remain empty and this great struggle would come to a halt. But I saw thousands who walked kilometers to shout the voice of justice.’
Mr. Özel, addressing the attendees who were chanting slogans in support of Imamoglu and against the government, said: ‘You hold the future of Turkey in your hands, you are standing against this judicial coup and defending democracy and your national will.’ He also called on the international community not to remain silent about these developments in Turkey.
International media widely covered this gathering and assessed it as a sign of growing dissatisfaction in Turkey. Some analysts believe that this event could lead to further polarization of Turkey’s political landscape and have a direct impact on the upcoming presidential elections. So far, the Turkish government has not officially reacted much to this gathering, but a statement is expected to be issued in the coming hours.
