Overview

• The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on March 19, 2025, has triggered the largest protests in Turkey in over a decade, with hundreds of thousands participating nationwide.
• The Republican People's Party (CHP) held a major rally on March 29 in Istanbul, with unverified claims of over 2.2 million attendees demanding justice and democratic reforms.
• Over 2,000 people, including students, journalists, and lawyers, have been arrested since the protests began, with 260 currently incarcerated, according to official data.
• International criticism of the Turkish government's actions continues to grow, with accusations of politically motivated charges and suppression of opposition figures.
• The CHP has reaffirmed Imamoglu as its 2028 presidential candidate, vowing to organize regular rallies and maintain pressure on the government despite ongoing repression.