Over 340 arrested in Istanbul clashes following Mayor's detention
The Turkish Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday that more than 340 people have been arrested in connection with protests that erupted in Istanbul following the detention of the city's mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, on charges of involvement in corruption and terrorism.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya posted on social media that 343 individuals suspected of involvement in the protests were arrested across major cities on Friday night.
He emphasized that there would be "zero tolerance for those attempting to threaten public order, create chaos, or incite provocations."
Meanwhile, Turkish news agency Anadolu reported that the police had detained 56 people for allegedly inciting unrest through provocative social media posts. Authorities carried out synchronized raids and are continuing to search for 38 others.
In related developments, Turkish authorities questioned İmamoğlu regarding terrorism charges a day after interrogating him over alleged corruption, according to the Associated Press.
İmamoğlu’s arrest sparked widespread protests across Turkey, with demonstrators gathering in cities including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Antalya, Canakkale, Eskisehir, Konya, and Edirne.
During security operations, authorities also seized illegal drugs during raids on suspect homes.
Related: Debate in Turkey After Istanbul Mayor’s Arrest… Turkish Justice Minister: No One is Above the Law – Video
The Republican People’s Party (CHP) has called on citizens to participate in symbolic elections on Sunday, with ballot boxes set up in streets across Turkey to show solidarity with İmamoğlu.
İmamoğlu, a major rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, urged his supporters to take part in the symbolic vote, affirming in a post on X that "the nation is great, and sovereignty belongs to the people unconditionally."
In response to the protests, President Erdoğan condemned the demonstrations on Friday, stressing that Turkey would not bow to what he described as "street terrorism."
