Mass Protests Erupt in Turkey Following Arrest of Erdogan’s Main Rival, as Elon Musk’s X Faces Accusations of Suspending Opposition Accounts

Turkey is facing its most intense protests in over a decade after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a leading political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Imamoglu, who was expected to be the main opposition candidate in the 2028 presidential elections, has been charged with corruption, a move that his supporters call politically motivated. The unrest has led to mass demonstrations across the country, resulting in over 1,100 arrests and widespread clashes between protesters and security forces.

Following Imamoglu’s arrest, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in cities across Turkey, demanding his release and denouncing what they see as an attack on democracy. The protests, which started peacefully, quickly escalated as authorities responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. The Turkish government has issued a strong warning against further demonstrations, stating that any attempts to disrupt national peace and security will not be tolerated.

The interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed that 1,133 people have been detained since the protests began. "The terrorization of our streets and the threat to the peace and security of our nation will absolutely not be tolerated," Yerlikaya stated in a social media post.

Despite the government’s crackdown, Imamoglu’s party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), went ahead with a symbolic vote confirming him as their presidential candidate. Supporters view the arrest as an effort to remove a strong opposition leader ahead of the 2028 elections.

In addition to the heavy police response, Turkish authorities have also moved to limit online discussions of the protests. Elon Musk’s social media platform X has reportedly suspended several opposition-linked accounts in Turkey, including those of activists and student organizers who were sharing protest information.

X, which Musk has touted as a platform for free speech, stated that it received legal orders from the Turkish government to block over 700 accounts belonging to journalists, activists, and political figures. The platform initially said it would not comply with these orders, calling them unlawful and harmful to public discourse. However, multiple reports indicate that certain opposition accounts have been restricted within Turkey.

Observers note that this is not the first time X has limited content in the country. In 2023, during Erdogan’s reelection campaign, X restricted some content in Turkey while maintaining overall access to the platform.

Meanwhile, other social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, have also faced access restrictions, according to internet watchdog group NetBlocks.

Despite his arrest, Imamoglu has vowed to continue fighting. Before being taken into custody, he wrote on X, "I will never bow." His supporters see him as a symbol of resistance against Erdogan’s government, which has been accused of silencing opposition voices through legal and political maneuvers.

Imamoglu faces charges of corruption, leading a criminal organization, bribery, and even alleged links to terrorism. However, many analysts believe these charges are politically driven, aimed at preventing him from running in 2028. His imprisonment has further fueled tensions, with critics comparing the situation to past government crackdowns on opposition leaders.

The situation in Turkey has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations expressing concern over the mass arrests and crackdown on dissent. The European Union and the United States have both called for fair legal proceedings and the protection of political freedoms.