Protests after arrest of Istanbul mayor, over 1,100 arrests in Turkey

Police and demonstrators in Turkey continue to clash. During the protests against the imprisonment of opposition politician Ekrem Imamoglu, there were numerous arrests. Among those arrested are journalists.

According to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, 1,133 suspects were arrested during "illegal demonstrations" in Turkey between March 19 and 23. The MPS lawyers' association said ten journalists and photographers were also arrested.

The Turkish media union Disk-Basin-Is said the move was the government's response to ongoing protests against the jailing of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu by the opposition social democratic CHP party. The union said it was "an attack on press freedom and the people's right to know the truth."

123 police officers injured

Imamoglu, considered the most likely political challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was arrested on Wednesday on corruption and terrorism charges. He was taken into custody and removed from his post as Istanbul mayor on Sunday.

Protests against Imamoglu's arrest are continuing in Istanbul, the Turkish capital Ankara, but also in Izmir and other cities.

Despite the massive police presence, tens of thousands of people took to the streets to protest, despite official bans.

Violent clashes between police and demonstrators have been reported in some cases. The police have used water cannons and tear gas.

Attempt to eliminate a political opponent

Critics see Imamoglu's arrest as a government attempt to eliminate a political opponent of President Erdogan and consider the charges trumped up.

Ekrem Imamoglu can only be an official presidential candidate if the Turkish Election Commission (YSK), which is considered pro-government, confirms his candidacy. But if the terrorism investigations have not been dropped by the time the commission reviews his candidacy, then his candidacy is unlikely to be accepted.

In addition to the corruption and terrorism charges, Ekrem Imamoglu's candidacy is also threatened by another action: his university degree was revoked last week. This decision is not yet final. A university degree is a prerequisite for running for president in Turkey./ DW (A2 Televizion)