Istanbul, Mar. 29, (dpa/GNA) – Hundreds of thousands of people in Istanbul joined one of the biggest demonstrations in recent Turkish history on Saturday to protest against the government and the controversial imprisonment of deposed mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
İmamoğlu called for unity against his “unlawful” arrest, in a letter read out to the crowd at the massive rally, where demonstrators gathered to demand his release.
“I am not afraid at all. Because our dear nation is united,” read İmamoğlu’s letter from his high-security cell in Istanbul’s Marmara prison. “We will not bow to tyranny. From my endless cell, I cry out: The nation is great.”
In his message, İmamoğlu – who has been removed as the mayor of Istanbul following his arrest last week – accused President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of stifling democracy.
“With every move he makes against me, Erdoğan shows that he is someone who runs away from elections and is afraid of his opponent,” the letter read.
İmamoğlu is seen as the main challenger to long-time ruler Erdoğan in the presidential election set for 2028.
He was chosen as the candidate for the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP) last week despite his arrest.
İmamoğlu’s party is now calling for early elections, which would require approval by a three-fifths majority in parliament.
If early elections were called, Erdoğan would be allowed to run again — something the current constitution would otherwise prevent, as it limits presidents to two terms under normal circumstances.
However, given the current public mood and growing discontent in the country, it seems unlikely that Erdoğan would agree to a snap poll.
It is not immediately clear if he will be legally allowed to be able to run in the polls as he separately faces a political ban and a terrorism-related probe.
Part of İmamoğlu’s words were played in his own voice using artificial intelligence. A video of his past speeches was displayed on large screens.
CHP campaigns for İmamoğlu’s release, snap polls
CHP leader Özgür Özel told the crowd on Saturday the party will start collecting signatures across Turkey starting on Sunday to petition for İmamoğlu’s release and early elections.
“Release İmamoğlu immediately,” Özel said, arguing the former mayor was arrested because he “defied the dictator”.
Özel condemned what he called the “Erdoğan’s coup attempt” on March 19 — a reference to when İmamoğlu was detained at his Istanbul residence.
The politician vowed to continue with protests despite bans: “We will not stop until we send off this government. We are on the streets, we are on the squares … I call on Erdoğan; people are asking you to release their candidate and bring the (ballot) box.”
Meanwhile, Özel also expanded a boycott call against some businesses, including state-run and certain private broadcasters, accusing them of ignoring the protest coverage.
Political fallout ahead
The demonstration, taking place on the eve of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr, was also attended by İmamoğlu’s family.
“Justice cannot be banned, conscience cannot be imprisoned. This is just the beginning; we will keep fighting,” his wife Dilek told the crowd.
His mother Havva echoed İmamoğlu’s famous slogan: “Everything will be fine.”
İmamoğlu, 53, is being held in Istanbul’s high-security Marmara prison following his arrest last week on corruption charges and ousting as Istanbul mayor.
He separately faces terrorism allegations and has denied all wrongdoing.
Erdoğan contends that İmamoğlu and several aides’ jailing is part of an independent investigation and blames the CHP for trying to cover up a nationwide corruption network.
He has threatened to expose more graft within the CHP and promised a harsh response to protestors whom he labelled “street terrorists.”
İmamoğlu’s detention sparked nationwide protests, with tens of thousands taking to the streets and hundreds detained. In certain cases, the CHP has accused the police of torture.
Academics, university students and journalists are among the detained.
Week-long protests continued despite a heavy police crackdown, mass arrests, and increasing media restrictions.
The CHP has vowed to maintain demonstrations until İmamoğlu is released and cleared to run in early elections.
GNA
PDC