Massive Protests in Istanbul as Police Use Tear Gas and Rubber Bullets

The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has sparked a strong reaction within Turkish society. Citizens have taken to the streets to express their outrage.

In conjunction with the large-scale arrests of İmamoğlu and others involved in a criminal case, authorities have imposed a ban on gatherings and protests in Istanbul from March 19-23. Several streets in the city have been closed, metro lines have ceased operations, and access to social media has been restricted nationwide.

Following the news of İmamoğlu's arrest, his supporters gathered on Vatan Street, where the Istanbul Police Department is located. Demonstrators chanted, “Erdogan is a dictator.” Students from Istanbul University also organized a protest.

After some time, tensions escalated as police deployed pepper gas and rubber bullets against the protesters. Authorities have tightened security measures around administrative buildings, with additional police forces deployed near the Istanbul Municipality.

Previously, it was reported that the opposition mayor was arrested on allegations of corruption. In addition to him, more than 100 arrest warrants have been issued, including for civil servants, political activists, journalists, and businesspeople. Özgür Özel, the leader of the opposition Republican People's Party, characterized this as an attempted coup and urged supporters to take to the streets.