Why are thousands of people protesting in Turkey?

In Turkey, a significant number of people have taken to the streets to protest the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul. Imamoglu is a prominent political figure and a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The protests erupted on March 19, the same day Imamoglu was arrested, just days before he was expected to be nominated as the presidential candidate for the Republican People's Party (CHP). His arrest has sparked outrage among his supporters, who view it as an attempt by the government to suppress political opposition. The protests have escalated into the most significant unrest in Turkey in over a decade, with demonstrators facing tear gas and rubber bullets from the police. The situation has become increasingly tense, with protests spreading from Istanbul to numerous other cities across the country. While many demonstrations have remained peaceful, clashes with law enforcement have occurred, leading to a nationwide crackdown on dissent. The Turkish government has targeted opposition politicians, journalists, and public figures in the entertainment industry, raising concerns about the state of democracy in the country. Many protesters are university students who have been vocal in their opposition to the government's actions. They have gathered at various universities in Istanbul, chanting slogans such as 'We are not scared, we won't be silenced, we will not obey. ' This reflects their determination to stand up for their rights and demand change. The protests began modestly but have grown in scale as more individuals join the movement. According to Turkey's interior minister, over 1,100 people have been detained since the protests began, including at least ten journalists who were arrested while covering the events. Despite the challenges, the CHP continues to support Imamoglu, holding a symbolic vote for their presidential candidate even in his absence. Many citizens believe that the government's actions are politically motivated, with one voter, Ferhat, stating, 'Whenever there's a strong opponent to Erdogan, they are always jailed. ' This sentiment highlights the widespread belief that the current administration is stifling dissent and undermining democratic principles. President Erdogan has condemned the protests, asserting that his government will not tolerate any disruption to public order. He has denied allegations that Imamoglu's arrest was politically motivated, claiming that Turkey's judiciary operates independently. However, many citizens remain skeptical of these assertions. The European Commission has called on Turkey to uphold democratic values, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rights of citizens. Erdogan has been in power for 22 years, serving as both prime minister and president, and his leadership has been marked by significant economic growth, according to his supporters. However, critics argue that he has become increasingly autocratic, suppressing dissent and punishing those who oppose him. The UK Foreign Office has not updated its travel advice for Turkey amid the ongoing protests but has warned that demonstrations can turn violent. Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas and to leave if a demonstration occurs. The situation in Turkey remains precarious, with many citizens concerned about the future of their country and the potential for further unrest.