The arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the former mayor of Istanbul, has ignited unprecedented protests across Turkey. This unexpected backlash has caught Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan off guard. The scale of these protests, comparable to the Gezi Park demonstrations of 2013, reflects widespread public discontent.
Imamoglu's detention has been met with allegations of political maneuvering by Erdogan's administration, reminiscent of past actions against opposition figures like Selahattin Demirtas. Demirtas, a pro-Kurdish political leader, has been imprisoned since 2016, a situation that has not received adequate international attention, according to Green Party politician Cem Özdemir.
Human rights organizations have condemned the Turkish authorities for their heavy-handed response to peaceful demonstrators. Thousands, including journalists, have been temporarily detained, raising concerns about press freedom and the government's grip on civil liberties. These developments have also attracted attention from international partners, including the United States, which has expressed concern over Turkey's stability as a NATO member.
Özdemir has called for a balanced approach from Europe, advocating for both cooperation and criticism in dealings with Turkey. He warns against naivety in engaging with authoritarian regimes and emphasizes solidarity with the Turkish people advocating for democratic reforms.
With the next presidential election not scheduled until 2028, speculation arises about Erdogan's potential strategies to extend his rule. This includes possible constitutional amendments or early elections, although his current parliamentary support is insufficient. Amidst these political tensions, Erdogan's fear of losing power, even with electoral manipulation, highlights a shifting political landscape in Turkey.
