Turkish Protests Continue Amid Crackdown
ISTANBUL: Almost 1,500 people have been detained – including an AFP photographer – as tens of thousands continued protests in the Turkish capital Tuesday after the arrest of the main political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The biggest protests in Turkey in over a decade erupted last week following the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges, a move opposition supporters see as a blatant violation of the rule of law.
No Concessions
Authorities have hit back with a crackdown that has alarmed rights groups, with seven journalists who covered the protests remanded in custody by an Istanbul court on Tuesday. Among them was AFP photographer Yasin Akgul, drawing a sharp rebuke from the Paris-based news agency.
Scandalous Arrests
Media freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) denounced the arrests as "scandalous", with its Turkey representative Erol Onderoglu saying it "reflects a very serious situation in Turkey".
Protests Spread Across Turkey
Vast crowds have defied a protest ban to hit the streets daily since the March 19 arrest of Imamoglu, with the unrest spreading across Turkey and prompting nightly clashes with security forces.
Erdogan’s Response
In the face of the biggest protests in Turkey since the 2013 Gezi uprising over the redevelopment of an Istanbul park, Erdogan has remained defiant, denouncing the rallies as "street terror".
Protesters Unfazed
Despite the arrests and crackdown, thousands of students and opposition supporters continue to take to the streets, with many covering their faces with scarves or masks to avoid being identified by the police.
International Condemnation
The Council of Europe denounced a "disproportionate" use of force, while Human Rights Watch said it was a "dark time for democracy" in Turkey. The UN also voiced alarm at Turkey’s use of mass detentions and its "unlawful blanket ban on protests".
Conclusion
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen whether the Turkish government will be able to quell the unrest or whether the opposition will be able to force early elections. One thing is certain, however: the Turkish people will not go quietly into the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation in Turkey?
A: Protests have been ongoing in Turkey since the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges.
Q: How many people have been detained?
A: Almost 1,500 people have been detained, including an AFP photographer.
Q: What is the government’s response to the protests?
A: President Erdogan has denounced the rallies as "street terror" and has vowed to take action against those involved.
Q: What is the international community saying about the situation?
A: The Council of Europe, Human Rights Watch, and the UN have all condemned Turkey’s use of force and called for an end to the crackdown.