Özgür Özel, the leader of Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has announced protests in every city across the country. In an interview with the BBC, he declared that demonstrations will continue until either an early election is called or Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu is released from prison.
As part of this nationwide movement, a major protest is planned in Istanbul on Saturday (March 29). Özel believes this will mark the beginning of a campaign to make İmamoğlu the next president of Turkey in the 2028 elections.
Speaking at the party’s headquarters in Istanbul, Özel said, “Wherever we go, there will be the largest rallies in history. Our confidence in Ekrem İmamoğlu and in democracy will make these protests big and powerful.”
On March 18, Istanbul Mayor and CHP leader Ekrem İmamoğlu was arrested during a special operation, triggering protests by his supporters. Demonstrations demanding his release have erupted in the capital Ankara, Istanbul, and other cities.
This is the largest wave of protests Turkey has seen in the past decade. Police have carried out widespread crackdowns, detaining around 1,500 people during the eight-day protests.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan still maintains significant public support. He labeled the protests as “terrorist acts,” accusing demonstrators of attacking police and damaging public property. Erdoğan claims the opposition’s activities will eventually fade and be rejected by the people.