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Erdogan announces Turkey won’t surrender to ‘street terrorism’
(MENAFN) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has denounced the mass protests erupting across Türkiye following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, calling the demonstrations acts of vandalism and street terrorism.
Imamoglu, a leading figure in the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and widely seen as Erdogan’s strongest political rival, was detained on charges of corruption, leading a criminal organization, accepting bribes, and aiding the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Ankara classifies as a terrorist group.
The next presidential election in Türkiye is officially set for 2028, and Imamoglu was widely expected to run. However, with Erdogan reaching his two-term limit, he would need to either call an early election or amend the constitution to seek another term.
The mayor’s arrest triggered mass protests, with tens of thousands taking to the streets. Clashes broke out between demonstrators and police, prompting authorities to temporarily ban public gatherings and restrict access to social media.
On Friday, Erdogan addressed the unrest, declaring that “Türkiye will not surrender to street terrorism” and calling on CHP leader Ozgur Ozel to act responsibly.
“The CHP is on the verge of losing its legitimacy due to corruption, problematic rhetoric, and links to extremist groups,” Erdogan warned.
In response, Ozel urged millions to continue peaceful demonstrations, emphasizing that citizens had the right to express their democratic dissent.
According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, 343 protesters were detained overnight during the unrest. He also stressed that the government would not tolerate threats to national stability or disruptions to public order.
Imamoglu, a leading figure in the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and widely seen as Erdogan’s strongest political rival, was detained on charges of corruption, leading a criminal organization, accepting bribes, and aiding the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Ankara classifies as a terrorist group.
The next presidential election in Türkiye is officially set for 2028, and Imamoglu was widely expected to run. However, with Erdogan reaching his two-term limit, he would need to either call an early election or amend the constitution to seek another term.
The mayor’s arrest triggered mass protests, with tens of thousands taking to the streets. Clashes broke out between demonstrators and police, prompting authorities to temporarily ban public gatherings and restrict access to social media.
On Friday, Erdogan addressed the unrest, declaring that “Türkiye will not surrender to street terrorism” and calling on CHP leader Ozgur Ozel to act responsibly.
“The CHP is on the verge of losing its legitimacy due to corruption, problematic rhetoric, and links to extremist groups,” Erdogan warned.
In response, Ozel urged millions to continue peaceful demonstrations, emphasizing that citizens had the right to express their democratic dissent.
According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, 343 protesters were detained overnight during the unrest. He also stressed that the government would not tolerate threats to national stability or disruptions to public order.
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