Demonstrations in Turkey Continue for Jailed Istanbul Mayor

Demonstrations appear set to continue—in multiple cities—despite a government ban on large public gatherings.

Demonstrators light flares during a clash with Turkish riot police using tear gas and water cannons during a demonstration in support of the arrested mayor of Istanbul, in Ankara, on March 23, 2025. Adem Altan/AFP via Getty Images

Intermittent protests remain ongoing in several Turkish cities following the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, an opposition leader who has long been seen as a potential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

On March 23, an Istanbul court jailed Imamoglu, a leading member of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), pending trial on corruption charges.