In Turkey, the waves of mass protests that erupted on 19 March 2025 reflect a nation on edge, triggered by the detention of over 100 individuals, including the popular Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu. These arrests, shrouded in accusations of corruption and terrorism, have raised eyebrows worldwide, especially given the proximity to İmamoğlu’s anticipated candidacy for president, sparking concerns over the political motivations behind the crackdown.
Following the arrests, authorities swiftly imposed sweeping restrictions, evident in city-wide bans on gatherings and limited access to social media, aiming to silence dissenters. Major public transport routes were shut down, a clear attempt to stifle mobilisations. Yet, undeterred by these heavy-handed approaches, thousands continued to rally peacefully across the nation, despite the ominous atmosphere.
Tragically, many of these protests have born witness to alarming human rights violations. Documented cases, particularly in Saraçhane, Istanbul, reveal excessive police violence that borders on torture. Incidents of beatings, close-range targeting with Kinetic Impact Projectiles (KIPs), and use of chemical irritants and water cannons illustrate a brutal crackdown aimed at suppressing the peaceful demonstrators, as noted by the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV) and corroborated by disturbing footage circulating online.
The toll of police excess is grim, with numerous protesters suffering severe injuries such as head trauma and respiratory issues, owing to the reckless employment of tear gas and other weapons. Data from the Human Rights Association (İHD) highlights that, by 27 March 2025, a staggering 1,879 individuals—including children and journalists—were taken into custody under dubious pretexts, with many enduring dreadful treatment within detention facilities.
Reports from the Progressive Lawyers Association (ÇHD) unsettlingly reveal incidents of torture and sexual violence in custody, including the mistreatment of female detainees. Disturbingly, there are testimonies of fear-driven abuses that highlight a concerning pattern of state-sanctioned cruelty, further compounded by an alarming lack of medical support.
Human rights defenders and journalists have also faced state repression, illustrating the dire state of freedom of expression in Turkey. Detaining over 14 journalists merely for documenting protests, alongside numerous lawyers—including İmamoğlu’s attorney—intensifies fears regarding the rule of law and public accountability. Furthermore, the recent dismissal of the Istanbul Bar Association’s executive board underscores the disturbing trends towards legal suppression.
In light of these events, the undersigned organisations call for robust action from Turkish authorities to uphold international human rights law. This includes safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly, preventing the misuse of force, and ensuring the safety and independence of human rights defenders and legal professionals. The disquieting situation in Turkey necessitates urgent international observation and intervention to secure justice and reinforce human rights standards.
Mass protests erupted across Turkey on 19 March 2025 after the arrest of over 100 individuals, including Istanbul’s Mayor. Authorities imposed strict restrictions to suppress protests, yet thousands continued to gather peacefully. Reports indicate severe police violence leading to serious injuries among demonstrators, with extensive detentions of protestors and journalists. Calls for accountability and respect for human rights are urgent as violations continue to escalate.
The ongoing protests in Turkey highlight a profound struggle for democracy and human rights, marred by brutal state responses and catastrophic human rights violations. With mass detentions, police brutality, and suppression of freedoms, the situation calls for both national and international action to restore lawful conduct and protect dissenters. The world is encouraged to keep a vigilant eye on Turkey’s actions and address these rising abuses.
Original Source: www.fidh.org
