Massive Protests Continue in Turkey Over Istanbul Mayor's Arrest
Hundreds of thousands rally across Turkey to demand Ekrem Imamoglu's release as opposition plans sustained demonstrations against government repression.
- 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.
L'Humanité 
L'Express 
Le Journal du Dimanche 
Ouest-France 
Libération 
Courrier International 
Le Nouvel Obs 
l'Opinion 