Opposition demonstration following Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu’s detainment

Following the detainment of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, a large crowd gathered in front of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) building in Sarachane on Wednesday evening.

The rally was held in response to a call from Ozgur Ozel, leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP).

Dilek Imamoglu, wife of Imamoglu, was the first to address the crowd that had gathered in front of the municipality. She began by thanking everyone who had come despite the weather, stating, “I am grateful to all of you for overcoming the obstacles to be here today.” She emphasized that the detention of her husband was not just about him, but about the will of the 16 million residents of Istanbul, about pensioners benefiting from social programs, about young people, and about the poor who are oppressed under the current government.

Dilek continued, “Today, we are all under detention. Today, what is under detention is the rule of law, justice, and democracy. Today, it is the hope for a peaceful, happy, just, and democratic Türkiye for 86 million citizens.”

Ozgur Ozel speaks against detainment

Following Dilek Imamoglu’s speech, CHP leader Ozel addressed the crowd, stating, “They couldn’t bend Imamoglu’s hand, now they are trying to break it with judicial pressure. The events of March 19 are a coup attempt. What we are witnessing is an attempt to seize the people’s will through a judicial coup.”

Ozel condemned the actions against Imamoglu, stating that this was an attack on the national will of the people of Istanbul, who had voted for Imamoglu three times in a row. “There is no corruption, no terrorist organization here,” Ozel remarked.

Ozel concluded by invoking the memory of past struggles, reminding everyone of the importance of defending their rights and upholding democracy. “Nine years ago, when FETO (Fetullah Terrorist Organization) tried to overthrow the government, the people stood up and said, ‘Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the people.’ Now, we must do the same and stand firm together.”

Imamoglu’s detainment on Wednesday

One hundred and six people were detained in Istanbul on Wednesday as part of three separate investigations. Among those detained are high-profile individuals such as Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, artist Ercan Saatci, and journalist Ismail Saymaz.

The investigations cover various issues, including corruption, terrorism, and the 2013 Gezi Park protests.

Turkish Minister of Justice Yilmaz Tunc also stated on Wednesday that the presumption of innocence until proven guilty is upheld, commenting, “Let us all patiently await the outcome of the investigation. The judicial process will clarify the allegations, the defenses, and the evidence, and the truth will be revealed in due time.”