For a seventh consecutive night, thousands of people in Turkey have continued their protests against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. As police continue their crackdown against the demonstrators, over 1,400 people have been detained, ranging from students, lawyers and journalists, including an AFP photojournalist.
As the protests continue, demonstrators have called for the release of Imamoglu, the resignation of the current Erdogan government and early elections. Currently, Turkey's national elections are scheduled for 2028.
Turkey Protests | Top Points
Over 1,400 demonstrators have been detained as protests in Istanbul continue. As per reports, at least seven journalists have been detained, including a photojournalist from AFP.
"AFP strongly condemns the detention of its journalist and photographer Yasin Akgül and calls for his immediate release. This is a serious attack on the freedom of the media,” read the official statement from the French news agency.
“AFP calls on the Turkish authorities to respect the freedom of the press and the work of journalists, essential pillars of any democratic society," it added further.
The United States have expressed its "concerns" over the arrests and protests in Turkey. Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised Washington's concerns during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
The United Nations has also slammed Turkey for its "unlawful blanket ban on protests".
As protestors call out the Erdogan government for its crackdown on dissent and opposition voices, Interior Minister Al Yerlikaya has accused the protestors of participating in "illegal demonstrations".
Turkish President Erdogan has dismissed the protests are "street terror" and vowed to take action against the protestors.
Meanwhile, the Republican People라이브 바카라 Party (CHP), led by Ozgur Ozel, has called for a mass rally to call for the resignation of the current government and early elections in the country.
Why Is Turkey Protesting?
The demonstrations erupted after the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on March 19. Imamoglu was detained a few days after the main opposition party was set to vote for its presidential candidate. As per Turkish prosecutors, the Istanbul mayor was detained on charges of corruption and allegedly aiding a terrorist organisation.
On March 23, a Turkish court jailed Imamoglu, pending trial, on charges of corruption. Since then, thousands of people, including opposition leaders, have taken to the streets of Istanbul calling for Imamoglu's release and the resignation of the current Erdogan government.
