Turkey Cracks Down: Dozens Arrested for Social Media Posts Following Erdogan Rival’s Detention

Authorities in Turkey have detained Ekrem Imamoglu, the Mayor of Istanbul, along with over 100 others. Imamoglu faces charges related to corruption and aiding terrorist groups. His arrest has ignited protests in Istanbul and Ankara, despite a ban on demonstrations imposed by Istanbul’s pro-government governor.

Imamoglu is a prominent member of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and a significant rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Many view his arrest as a blow to democracy, calling it a "coup." This timing is notable, as Imamoglu was expected to announce his candidacy for the presidency in the upcoming 2028 election.

In a crackdown following Imamoglu’s arrest, authorities targeted social media activity. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that police have identified 261 accounts linked to posts deemed provocative. By Thursday morning, over 18.6 million posts discussing the arrests surfaced online. To stifle dissent, Turkish authorities restricted social media usage nationwide.

Protests have sprung up in response to these events. University students, familiar only with Erdogan’s long rule, marched in the rain, chanting defiant slogans. Yet, the number of protesters remains relatively small compared to Istanbul’s population of over 16 million. This suggests that, for now, the political pressure on Erdogan is minimal.

CHP leader Ozgur Ozel spoke to supporters during a rally, urging more people to take to the streets. However, police clashed with demonstrators using tear gas and pepper spray. The atmosphere remains tense as many fear further reprisals against opposition figures in the coming weeks.

Historically, this situation echoes earlier governmental crackdowns in Turkey, particularly against dissenters. Erdogan has faced accusations of stifling opposition throughout his 22 years in power, both as prime minister and president. Last year, Imamoglu secured a second term as mayor, marking a rare defeat for Erdogan’s party, reflecting a growing appetite among voters for change.

The CHP leadership has shifted its focus to ensure Imamoglu’s position, stating they will proceed with plans for their candidate selection regardless of his detention status. On Sunday, the CHP is set to conduct a vote to officially name Imamoglu as their presidential candidate.

In terms of public sentiment, social media reactions reveal a mixture of outrage and determination among supporters of Imamoglu, many expressing their commitment to stand by him through hashtags and online campaigns. As events unfold, the overall impact of Imamoglu’s arrest could influence Turkey’s political landscape significantly, rallying public opinion either for or against the current regime.

For more insights on the political climate in Turkey, you can explore this detailed analysis by BBC News.

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