Turkey: journalists arrested as protests continue
A protester shouts slogans during a protest against the arrest of Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, March 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Ten Turkish journalists have been arrested and opposition social media accounts have been suspended in continuing mass protests in Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
According to Middle East Eye on March 24th, ten journalists who had been covering the protests were arrested, including AFP photographer Yasin Akgul.
A number of opposition social media accounts were also suspended on X, as journalists point out the fact that the Elon Musk-owned platform often complies with Turkish authorities’ requests.
In spite of his detention, Immamoglu was selected by the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) as their running candidate for the 2028 election, as 15 million people symbolically cast their vote for the Istanbul mayor.
Imamoglu was officially destituted from his position, as he faces charges for extortion, money laundering and irregularities concerning tenders and procurements.
In a message from his cell in which he pledged to fight the charges, the former mayor called his arrest an “execution without trial”.
“I wear a white shirt that you cannot stain. I have a strong arm that you cannot twist. I won’t budge an inch. I will win this war,” he said in a message passed through his lawyers.
Protests have erupted across 55 of the 81 Turkish provinces, after his arrest on March 19th, with at least 1,133 detained according to human right groups.
Images of the protest which show the use of tear gas and water canons – as well as clashes with the police – have filled social media, as many see the arrest as a covert attempt to eliminate Erdogan’s main opponent in the next elections.
The suspended accounts include the Progressive Lawyer Association (CHD), news outlet Gazete Yolculuk, and various feminist and leftist accounts.
The CHD said its social media account was targeted because they covered the government’s crackdown on protests.
“We noted many violations against people’s rights, torture activities by police – also many people were arrested and many citizens were sent to prison,” they said.
Middle East Eye
Want to chase the pulse of North Africa?
Enter your email address and name to receive our weekly newsletter.
