Its mayor Constantinople Imamoglou He denied the charges of corruption attributed to him, according to a judicial document that was aware of the Reuters agency. At the same time, in Constantinople the tension was hitting “red” with 300,000 people in favor of the mayor and the police “responding” to plastic bullets.
While in Constantinople there is a huge upheaval by the arrest of Ekrem Imouglu, on Wednesday (19/3/25) as a suspect for corruption and terrorism, he denies the charges, according to a judicial document that has been aware of the Reuters.
“I categorically reject all the allegations,” he said in his defense, according to the document.
Imamoglou, an official opposition official and possible opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the next presidential election, was called upon to respond to at least 40 questions on the public competitions of the Municipality.
300,000 on the streets for Mayor Imamoglou
The Turkish opposition called on the citizens on Friday (21/3/25) to participate in a “night of democracy”. Early in the evening, the leader of the opposition party in Turkey assured that 300,000 protesters had gathered in Constantinople to support the mayor of the city of Eremm Imamoglu.
‘We’re here with 300,000 people, ”said the leader of the Republican People’s Party, Ozgur Ozel, in front of the City Hall of Constantinople where the crowd of protesters had gathered, following the call of the CHP and despite the warnings of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who stated that he would not retreat.
BREAKING:
Tens of thousands have taken to streets in Istanbul tonight to protest against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor and Turkey’s main opposition leader Ekrem Imamoğlu
– Visegrád 24 (@Visegrad24) March 21, 2025
Then Episodes broke out in Constantinople and Smyrnabetween protesters and police, during the mobilizations organized by the opposition, in support of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglou, reporters of the French Agency and Turkish media reported.
In Constantinople, police used plastic balls, according to AFP. In Izmir, Turkey’s third largest city, class forces used water under pressure to dissolve the crowd, reported local television channels.
It’s going down right now on the streets of Istanbul as 1000’s of students face off with Erdogan’s attack dogs. This is how we resist fascism. Solidarity with the Turkish students. pic.twitter.com/pkvPTgsGzV
— GhostofDurruti (@DurrutiRiot) March 21, 2025
A little earlier, a new handwritten message by Ekrem Imamoglu saw the light of publicity. In this, the Mayor of Constantinople wrote about his arrest:
“My struggle for our nation will continue against man and the handful of people around him who prevent our fertile work that distributes the goods of the nation to the nation. Transfer the warm greetings, love and respect to every citizen you see. The nation is great. “
New Message from Ekrem İmamoğlu:
“The nation that distributes the property of the nation to the nation and a handful of people next to our people and a handful of people, our struggle for our nation will continue. Every citizen you see from me warm greetings, love and respect. Nation is great.”
– Odatv (@odatv) March 21, 2025
Uplifting with no end
For the third consecutive day, protesters flock outside the Town Hall of Constantinople, responding to the call of the People’s Republican Party (CHP).
“Don’t be silent, otherwise your turn will come soon,” the protesters shouted. Some were holding placards with slogans such as “don’t be afraid, the people are here” and “law, law, justice”.
The mayor, who is accused of “corruption” and “terrorism”, was due to receive the Chp anointing to be his candidate in the next presidential election.
“Wherever you are, get out of the house, join with all you can and walk together,” the party’s president, Ozgur Ezel, called his supporters, who will speak to the crowd tonight after Ramadan’s fast.
On Friday night, videos were uploaded to social media showing tension and episodes with students.
It’s going down right now on the streets of Istanbul as 1000’s of students face off with Erdogan’s attack dogs. This is how we resist fascism. Solidarity with the Turkish students. pic.twitter.com/pkvPTgsGzV
— GhostofDurruti (@DurrutiRiot) March 21, 2025
Two bridges and many large roads leading to the Town Hall were closed for 24 hours.
Mobilizations are organized into more than 45 cities across the country, such as in Izmir and the capital Ankara.
“Turkey will not surrender to the horror of the road,” Erdogan said, warning that the demonstrations would be led to a “deadlock”.
According to a countdown by the French Agency, mobilizations have been organized by at least 32 of the 81 provinces of Turkey on Wednesday.