Turkish authorities arrested dozens of people in “provocative” social media posts after detaining Mayor Istanbul Ekrem Imamogul on Wednesday.
Imamoguru was one of more than 100 people detained on more than 100 suspects, including supporting corruption and terrorist groups. This is the move that sparked protests in Istanbul and the capital Ankara.
Imamoguru, a member of the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), is a key rival to President Recept Tayyip Erdogan and was scheduled to be nominated later this week as presidential candidate for the 2028 election.
Critics have described his arrest as a “coup” and are planning further demonstrations despite the Istanbul governor imposing a four-day ban on protests.
Home Minister Ali Yarikaya announced on Thursday morning that police had identified 261 “subject account managers” online.
They allegedly posted content that violated laws regarding “inciting hatred and hostility with the public” and “inciting to commit crimes.”
“Thirty-seven suspects have been caught and efforts continue to catch other suspects,” he said, adding that by local time on Wednesday (0300 GMT), more than 18.6 million posts had appeared online about Wednesday’s arrest.
However, these efforts have not stopped demonstrators so far.
Tens of thousands gathered outside Istanbul’s city hall on Wednesday. Some demanded the government resignation, while others chanted “Erdogan, dictator.”
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel spoke to supporters at one rally, calling for them to “bury the streets.” A party spokesman said on Thursday that AFP news agency Ozel is expected to deal with crowds outside the hall again in 2030 (1730 GMT).
Police clashed with demonstrators at several locations and fired tear gas and pepper spray.
Turkish authorities have restricted social media use nationwide after their arrests, including using WhatsApp on Wednesday, according to the UK-based internet watchdog Netblocks.
Dozens of police officers were involved in the attack on Imamoguru’s house in Istanbul early on Wednesday morning.
He was one of 106 people detained during surgery.
The arrests have been part of a major national crackdown in recent months, targeting opposition politicians, local governments, journalists and entertainment industry figures.
Local prosecutors also announced Thursday that they had seized a construction company owned by the mayor of Istanbul as part of an investigation into alleged financial crimes.
Opposition figures say the arrests are politically motivated. However, on Wednesday, the Justice Department criticized those who linked Erdogan to his arrest and advocated for their judicial independence.
Last year, Imamoguru won his second term as mayor of Istanbul.
It was the first time his party has been defeated nationwide in the ballot box since President Erdogan came to power.
The election was also a personal blow to the president, who grew up and became mayor of Istanbul with a rise in power.
Erdogan has been in office for the past 22 years as both the prime minister and president of Turkish. Due to time limits, he will not be able to re-inaust in 2028 unless he changes the constitution.
The CHP presidential candidate selection, which is Imamoguru, is the only person, is scheduled to take place on Sunday.
Opposition groups are currently calling for demonstrations that day.
