Imamoglu probe: Officials warn against disinformation amid student protests in Istanbul
University students demonstrate against the decision of Istanbul University's cancelling diploma of Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor on March 19, 2025 at Istanbul University's main gate in Istanbul. (AFP Photo)
Authorities in Türkiye have issued warnings about the spread of disinformation following university student protests over the detention orders for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and multiple others as part of an investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Both Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Presidential Communications Directorate warned against disinformation campaigns regarding the Imamoglu probe. The statements come as demonstrations continue at several universities in Istanbul and other cities.
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality issued a statement warning of a “deliberate disinformation campaign.” The municipality described what it sees as a coordinated effort to mislead the public about the legal proceedings against Mayor Imamoglu.
Government’s response to disinformation claims on Imamoglu probe
Presidential Communications Directorate stressed the importance of national unity and condemned efforts to create division through false narratives. Speaking at the launch of the CIMER Mobile Application, Altun stated that Türkiye is close to achieving a consensus in its fight against terrorism, but some groups are exploiting societal fault lines through disinformation campaigns.
Meanwhile, the Disinformation Combat Center, operating under the Presidential Communications Directorate, denied claims that Imamoglu and other detainees were denied medical treatment while in custody. The center clarified that medical examinations were conducted by forensic medicine experts at Istanbul Medical Faculty’s annex building and that detainees received their prescribed medications.
Additionally, the Disinformation Combat Center rejected claims that global financial institution Morgan Stanley withdrew from Borsa Istanbul due to political developments. According to the statement, the bank had already requested to relinquish its operational licenses, which the Capital Markets Board approved, leading to the termination of its membership in Borsa Istanbul on March 12, 2025. The center emphasized that linking this decision to recent political events was misleading.
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s response
In response to concerns over disinformation, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality issued a statement warning of a “deliberate disinformation campaign.” The municipality described what it sees as a coordinated effort to mislead the public about the legal proceedings against Mayor Imamoglu.
The municipality specifically addressed allegations that the mayor was involved in corruption amounting to between ₺250 billion ($6.58 billion) and ₺560 billion, arguing that such claims contradict official budget figures. It noted that its 2025 budget is ₺564 billion, covering infrastructure projects, public transportation, and the salaries of approximately 95,000 employees.
Additionally, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality dismissed allegations that documents were burned at its Sarachane headquarters to conceal evidence, calling such claims baseless and part of a broader disinformation effort against the municipality.
The municipality urged all parties to avoid making unfounded accusations and reaffirmed its commitment to combating disinformation.
Student Protests, university responses
Following Imamoglu’s detention, student protests erupted at several universities, including Istanbul University, Middle East Technical University (METU), and Yildiz Technical University (YTU). Demonstrations continued in the following days, with students organizing additional protests.
At Galatasaray University, students protested the revocation of Professor Naciye Aylin Ataay Saybasili’s diploma in connection with ongoing investigations. Demonstrators boycotted classes and held silent protests on campus, chanting, “We stand by our professor.”
Similarly, students at Yildiz Technical University gathered to protest what they described as increasing political interference in academia and judicial pressure on universities. The demonstrators chanted slogans opposing political influence over academic institutions and called for the protection of university autonomy.
Escalating tensions at Istanbul University
At Istanbul University, protests gained momentum as students attempted to organize multiple demonstrations in response to both Imamoglu’s detention and broader concerns over academic freedom.
The initial protest, which began peacefully in Beyazit Square, was met with a heavy police presence. Security forces set up barricades around the square, preventing demonstrators from marching beyond the university grounds.
Eyewitness accounts and student organizations reported that police detained several students as they attempted to break through the barricades. In response, university faculty members expressed concern over the increasing tensions and urged authorities to respect students’ right to peaceful assembly.
Official stance on public protests
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc addressed the ongoing protests and concerns about disinformation, emphasizing the importance of due legal process on Wednesday.
“Making street calls and spreading disinformation about legal investigations to mislead the public is unacceptable,” Tunc stated.
In a state governed by the rule of law, if a crime is alleged, the place to defend oneself is the judiciary, not the streets. If there is evidence of a crime, the relevant judicial authorities will conduct the necessary investigations. Facing justice and defending oneself in court is both a right and an obligation.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc
As both government institutions and opposition figures address concerns over disinformation, Türkiye continues to navigate a politically sensitive period marked by public protests, legal proceedings, and debates over media narratives.
Turkish newspapers react to Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s detainment
JPMorgan raises Türkiye’s inflation forecast amid currency volatility
Japan’s NHK begins filming documentary on Tabal Kingdom’s legacy in Türkiye
