22.03.2025 12:11
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that 343 suspects have been apprehended following the protests that began after the detention of Istanbul and Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in 9 provinces, including Istanbul and Ankara.
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Protests began in many cities following the detention of numerous individuals, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, on March 19 as part of the initiated investigations into "corruption" and "terror" against the IMM. After the protests, actions were taken in 9 provinces.
343 SUSPECTS ARRESTED
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that 343 suspects were arrested during the protests that occurred last night in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Antalya, Çanakkale, Eskişehir, Konya, and Edirne. In his statement, Minister Yerlikaya said: "343 suspects were arrested during the protests that took place last night in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Antalya, Çanakkale, Eskişehir, Konya, and Edirne related to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office! Those who seek to disrupt public order, threaten the peace and security of our nation, and pursue chaos and provocation will never be given the opportunity, and will definitely not be tolerated! Our police, who are the guarantee of our peace and security, are on duty day and night."
THEY BROKE THE WINDOWS OF THE IMM BUILDING AND ENTERED
During the protests held in front of the IMM's Saraçhane building, clashes occurred between the crowd and the police at times. A group among the crowd caused disturbances by throwing flammable and explosive materials at the police. The police attempted to disperse the protesters using tear gas and water cannons. The group trying to escape the intervention headed towards the IMM building. Those in the group, who broke through the security barriers in front of the building and forced the door, entered by breaking the door and windows when it did not open.
WINDOWS COVERED WITH PLASTIC
The damage became apparent when daylight broke. While the broken windows were temporarily covered with plastic, the shoe prints on the glass drew attention.
16 POLICE OFFICERS INJURED
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that 16 police officers were injured during the protests. Yerlikaya stated, "16 of our police officers have been injured in these demonstrations. I wish a speedy recovery to our police officers. Our heroic police are on duty day and night for the peace and security of our nation. Our Cyber Crime Department continues its fight against crime and criminals with determination within the framework of the authority granted by the laws."
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