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Turkey Investigates Opposition Boycott as Protests Over Mayor's Arrest Escalate

The government accuses opposition-led boycotts of economic sabotage, while protests and detentions continue to grow across the country.

People attend a rally to protest against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as part of a corruption investigation, in Istanbul, Turkey, March 29, 2025. REUTERS/Umit Bektas/File Photo
People listen to speeches during a rally called by Republican People's Party or (CHP) against the arrest of Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, March 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Fine art university students shout slogans as they march past an Expresso Lab coffee bar during a peaceful protest after Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested and sent to prison, in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Overview

  • The Istanbul prosecutor's office launched an investigation into opposition boycott calls, citing potential violations of laws against hate speech and incitement to hostility.
  • The opposition CHP expanded its boycott to include a one-day halt to all shopping, with some shops closing in solidarity with the protests.
  • Trade Minister Omer Bolat labeled the boycott as 'economic sabotage' and suggested affected businesses could pursue legal action for damages.
  • Nationwide protests, sparked by the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges, have led to over 1,900 detentions so far.
  • Turkey's economic instability, marked by high inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, has intensified public frustration and shaped the context of the ongoing unrest.