Turkey protests in pics: Crackdown on supporters after Istanbul mayor’s arrest

After Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested on March 19, protests broke out. Many have seen Imamoglu's arrest as an effort to quell opposition. ...read more

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Published on Mar 26, 2025 02:43 PM IST

Following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption accusations, Turkish authorities have detained about 1,500 individuals, including an AFP photographer, as nationwide protests continue. In pic: Protesters shout slogans during a protest after Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested and sent to prison, in Istanbul, Turkey on Tuesday, March 25.(AP)

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The biggest protests Turkey has seen in more than a decade have been sparked by the opposition's condemnation of the action as politically motivated. In pic: Protesters shout slogans and hold banners amidst protests in Turkey.(AP)

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A person carries an image depicting Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as people flash mobile phone lights during a protest against the arrest of Imamoglu as part of a corruption investigation, in Istanbul. (REUTERS)

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Thousands are still taking to the streets to push for early elections and the release of Imamoglu. In pic; Protesters wave Turkish flags and light flairs during a rally in support of Istanbul's arrested mayor, in Istanbul, on March 25, 2025. (AFP)

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The demonstrations have expanded across the country, with activists, students, and supporters of the opposition uniting against what they describe as an attack on democracy. In pic: Police officers stand guard, as people take part in a protest against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as part of a corruption investigation, in front of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality building, in Istanbul, Turkey. (REUTERS)

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The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has responded with a harsh crackdown, and an Istanbul court has held seven journalists who were covering the protests in detention. International institutions and human rights groups have harshly criticised the detentions as well as the violent altercations between demonstrators and security officers.(REUTERS)

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Violent altercations have resulted from riot police using pepper spray, rubber bullets, and water cannons to scatter crowds. Erdogan has called the protests "street terror" and promised to crack down on protesters. In pic: Demonstrators hold placards as people take part in a protest against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.(REUTERS)

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A protester offers flowers to riot police during a protest after Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested and sent to prison, in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday. (AP)

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Ozgur Ozel, the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), has said that a massive demonstration will take place on Saturday in the Maltepe neighbourhood of Istanbul. In pic: A person plays saxophone as police officers stand guard, during a protest against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. (REUTERS)

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At least seven journalists, including AFP photographer Yasin Akgul, have been imprisoned for their coverage of the protests. Strongly condemning Akgul's detention, Paris-based Agence France-Presse claims he was only recording the events and wasn't taking part in the protests. In pic: Protesters hold a picture of Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu during a protest after he was arrested and sent to prison, in Istanbul, Turkey. (AP)

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Concern over the growing issue has spread around the world. Criticising Turkey's "unlawful blanket ban on protests," the UN has called on authorities to look into claims of excessive force. In pic: Protesters shout slogans during a protest after Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested and sent to prison, in Istanbul, Turkey. (AP)

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During a meeting with Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan in Washington, US secretary of state Marco Rubio voiced concerns about the widespread protests and arrests. Erdogan's government has not backed down in the face of international pressure. In pic: A protester holds a flower as she stands behind police barrier during a protest after Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested and sent to prison in Istanbul.(AP)