In a dramatic intensification of the Turkish government’s repression, over 100 individuals, including Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, were arrested amid investigations linked to alleged corruption and terrorism. This crackdown occurs alongside a four-day protest ban and reported internet restrictions on social media platforms like X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Europe, Dinushika Dissanayake, condemned these actions as a significant escalation against peaceful dissent, especially targeting the main opposing party, CHP.
Dissanayake highlighted that such vague anti-terrorism claims used to detain political opponents and critics have re-emerged with an alarming intensity. This surge suppresses civil society’s rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association. The concerning trend of human rights violations in Türkiye over the past decade fosters a culture of impunity that must be confronted.
Currently, detention orders have also been issued for an estimated 100 more individuals connected to İmamoğlu, including district mayors. In the early hours of 19 March, over 80 people, along with the Mayor, were taken into custody, facing a 24-hour lawyer ban and potentially being held for up to four days.
To add to the pressure, Istanbul University invalidated İmamoğlu’s university degree following public doubts, a crucial eligibility requirement for presidential candidacy. Moreover, just days before the CHP’s pivotal primary election, where İmamoğlu was anticipated to be selected as their presidential nominee, the Istanbul Governor announced closures of key metro lines and roads along with a ban on protests and meetings for four days. Internet access to major platforms has also been severely limited to further stifle dissent.
In Türkiye, more than 100 individuals, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, have been arrested amid allegations of corruption and terrorism. Amnesty International condemned these actions as an escalation against peaceful dissent. The crackdown includes a four-day protest ban, closure of major metro lines, and restrictions on social media. The timing coincides with the CHP’s upcoming primary election, raising concerns over human rights violations in the country.
The escalating crackdown in Türkiye, highlighted by the arrest of Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and others, encapsulates a severe restriction on civil liberties and political dissent. The Turkish government’s use of ambiguous anti-terrorism laws to suppress opposition signals a troubling period for human rights and freedoms in the country, especially leading up to crucial political events. As the political landscape tightens, society’s right to protest and express dissent is increasingly endangered, leaving questions about the future of democratic processes in Türkiye.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
