Boycott probe in Türkiye: 16 detained in Istanbul over April 2 consumer protest

Sixteen people were detained in Istanbul after publicly supporting an April 2 consumer boycott on social media.

The arrests were made following an investigation initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, citing alleged charges of “hate and discrimination” and “incitement to hatred and enmity.”

The detained individuals were taken to the Istanbul Police Department in the early hours of April 3. According to a lawyer initiative, legal representatives are currently involved in the case.

Main opposition’s boycott call

The boycott call originated from university students following protests involving the arrest of the former Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The initiative quickly gained traction with support from various segments of society, including artists, politicians, and activists.

Among the high-profile supporters was the Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel, who encouraged citizens to refrain from consumption on April 2. Ozel stated on X, formerly Twitter: “I invite everyone to join the boycott and use the power that comes from their consumption. The people are the true owners of the state.”

Speaking in Trabzon, after the funeral of known Turkish singer Volkan Konak, Ozel said, “I support today’s boycott. We support them. Tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, young people will have other decisions; we will again announce our expressions of support for them.”

Prosecutors launch investigation before boycott takes place

Before the boycott occurred, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced a criminal investigation against those sharing boycott messages online.

The investigation was officially launched on April 1, citing charges of “hate and discrimination” and “incitement to hatred and enmity.”

Shortly after the announcement, it sparked backlash from the Turkish business world, as chambers urged that Turkish companies be excluded from political disputes and called for resilience in the country’s economy.

Chairs of Turkish business chambers and associations issued successive statements on Tuesday, calling on citizens not to target Turkish companies or harm the country’s economic stability. They condemned efforts to politicize economic activity and stressed that domestic businesses should not become collateral in political conflicts, urging all parties to act responsibly to safeguard national economic interests.

Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) President Rifat Hisarciklioglu said targeting companies that produce, provide employment, and invest—through boycott calls—was wrong, stating: “Our companies must be kept out of political debates.”

Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC) President Sekib Avdagic: “Boycott calls are wrong. Companies that are the products of Türkiye’s domestic and independent economy and the source of employment cannot be attacked.”