Imamoglu’s Arrest Sparks Nationwide Unrest and Raises Fears for Turkish Democracy

Mass protests have erupted across Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and declared presidential candidate. Prosecutors allege that the now former mayor of Istanbul led a criminal organization, and engaged in bribery and extortion, but critics view the move as politically motivated, intended to block his path to the presidency in 2028. 

Yusuf Can, Program Coordinator for the Wilson Center's Middle East Program, provides insight into the turmoil going on today in Turkey. He talks about why Imamoglu was arrested, the economic fallout from the protests, the opposition-led organizing efforts, and how Turkey’s youth no longer believes they have a future in the country under Erdogan’s leadership.

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Middle East Program

The Wilson Center’s Middle East Program serves as a crucial resource for the policymaking community and beyond, providing analyses and research that helps inform US foreign policymaking, stimulates public debate, and expands knowledge about issues in the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.   Read more

Middle East Program