Three Journalists Released in Turkey as Protests Over Opposition Mayor’s Arrest Continue
The release follows international pressure, but over 1,400 protesters remain detained as demonstrations escalate against the Turkish government.
- AFP photographer Yasin Akgül and two other journalists were released on March 27 after being detained for allegedly participating in banned protests in Istanbul.
- The journalists had been arrested on March 25 while covering demonstrations sparked by the arrest of Istanbul's opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, on March 19.
- Over 1,400 protesters remain in custody, marking one of the largest waves of dissent in Turkey since the 2013 Gezi Park protests.
- International organizations, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have condemned the Turkish government’s actions, calling for the release of all detained journalists and demonstrators.
- Opposition groups are planning a large-scale rally on March 29 to demand democratic reforms and continued pressure on the government.