Turkey’s Repressive Response to Street Unrest Condemned
Turkey Intensifies Crackdown on Anti-Government Protests
ISTANBUL: Turkey has intensified its crackdown on anti-government protests, arresting the lawyer of the jailed Istanbul mayor and targeting more journalists, as the country faces its biggest wave of unrest in more than a decade.
Protests Continue Despite Growing Fear
Nine days after the arrest and subsequent jailing of Istanbul’s popular opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, demonstrators were again out on the streets on Thursday night, despite a growing sense of fear. Overnight, police raided more homes, and Imamoglu said his lawyer Mehmet Pehlivan had been "detained on fictitious grounds".
Rights Groups Condemn Turkey’s Response
Turkey’s repressive response to its worst bout of street unrest since 2013 has been sharply condemned by rights groups and drawn criticism from abroad. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised concerns over Ankara’s handling of the protests, and French President Emmanuel Macron denounced its "systematic attacks" on opposition figures and freedom of assembly.
Journalists Detained and Accused
Police detained two Turkish women journalists in dawn raids on their homes, and a Swedish journalist was also jailed, accused of insulting the president and being a member of an armed terrorist organization. Turkish authorities held a BBC journalist for 17 hours before deporting him, citing a lack of accreditation.
Minors Arrested and Detained
The Istanbul Bar Association reported that 20 minors had been arrested between March 22 and 25 on charges of violating a ban on protests. Seven were still in custody, it said.
Turkey’s Broadcasting Watchdog Imposes Ban
Turkey’s broadcasting watchdog, RTUK, slapped a 10-day broadcast ban on the opposition TV channel Sozcu on Thursday, pointing to alleged violations linked to incitement to "hatred and hostility".
Conclusion
Turkey’s response to the protests has been met with widespread condemnation, with rights groups and international leaders criticizing the country’s actions. The detentions and arrests of journalists, along with the crackdown on protesters, have raised concerns over the country’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation in Turkey?
A: Turkey is currently facing its biggest wave of unrest in more than a decade, with protests and demonstrations continuing despite a growing sense of fear and repression.
Q: How many people have been detained since March 19?
A: Over 1,879 people have been detained since March 19, according to the interior minister.
Q: What is the Turkish government’s response to the protests?
A: The Turkish government has intensified its crackdown on anti-government protests, arresting the lawyer of the jailed Istanbul mayor and targeting more journalists, among others.
Q: How has the international community responded to the situation in Turkey?
A: The international community has condemned Turkey’s response to the protests, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and French President Emmanuel Macron raising concerns over Ankara’s handling of the protests.