Turkey arrests journalists amid protests over jailing of Erdogan’s rival.

The detention of numerous journalists in Turkey from their residences, as reported by a media workers’ union, is seen as a response to the escalating protests following the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor and a key contender against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was formally arrested and jailed on corruption charges, prompting extensive street demonstrations in Turkey, raising concerns about the country’s democracy and adherence to the rule of law.

In a crackdown on the protests, at least eight reporters and photojournalists were detained by authorities, according to the Disk-Basin-Is union, which condemned the move as an assault on press freedoms and the public’s right to access information. Calls for the immediate release of the detained journalists were made by the union on social media platforms.

Imamoglu’s detention is widely viewed as a strategic maneuver to eliminate a significant challenger to Erdogan in the future presidential race. Despite official denials, critics argue that the mayor’s arrest is politically motivated. Imamoglu faces numerous accusations including organizing criminal activities, accepting bribes, extortion, unlawful data collection, and bid-rigging, all of which he denies.

Although the mayor’s request for detention on terrorism charges was denied, he was suspended from his duties by the Interior Ministry as a temporary measure. An acting mayor was appointed by the municipality’s governing council in his stead. During his detention, Imamoglu continued to receive strong support from his opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), with millions participating in a primary election endorsing him as the party’s presidential nominee.

In addition to Imamoglu, 47 others were also imprisoned pending trial, including a key aide and two district mayors from Istanbul. More than 40 suspects were released under judicial control. Imamoglu’s electoral victory in Istanbul in 2019 marked a significant blow to Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party, which had held control of the city for 25 years. Despite attempts to void the election results, Imamoglu won in a repeat election and retained his position in subsequent local elections, underscoring a growing challenge to Erdogan’s dominance.

The events surrounding Imamoglu’s detention have reignited debates about political freedoms, democracy, and the independence of the judiciary in Turkey. The mass demonstrations and the subsequent crackdown on journalists underscore the deepening political unrest and polarisation in the country. The ongoing situation continues to provoke debate and raise concerns about the future of democracy in Turkey.