23.03.2025 13:10
During the Nowruz celebrations held in Istanbul's Yenikapı, organized by the Peoples' Democratic Congress, it was notable that the crowd in the area did not chant support slogans for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was arrested in a corruption operation, nor did they display any banners. Comments such as "Why aren't you in Saraçhane?" were made under the live-streamed footage shared from the official accounts of the DEM Party.
Citizens began to gather at Yenikapı Square in Istanbul for the Nevruz celebrations from the early hours of the morning. The celebrations, organized under the leadership of the Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK), are being held this year with the slogan "Democratic Society for Freedom." Banners reading "Jin, jiyan, azadî" and "Happy Freedom Nevruz" were hung in the area, and LED screens were placed on both sides of the platform.
POLICE SEARCHING THOSE ENTERING THE AREA THOROUGHLY
Police teams conducting searches at Yenikapı metro station did not allow scarves and flags featuring photos and images of former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş into the area.
NO SUPPORT FOR İMAMOĞLU IN THE AREA
It was noteworthy that the crowd, which filled the area to capacity, did not chant support slogans for İBB President Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was arrested in a corruption operation, nor did they display any banners.
"WHY AREN'T YOU IN SARAÇHANE?"
Comments were made under the live broadcast images shared from DEM Party's official accounts, such as "Why aren't you in Saraçhane?", "Saraçhane is not this crowded", and "If the same thing happened to you, İmamoğlu would have canceled it."
YAVAŞ'S WORDS DREW GREAT REACTION
On the other hand, Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş stated during a protest held for İmamoğlu in Saraçhane, "While flags that I consider rags were waved somewhere in the East yesterday, I do not find it right for the police to give cotton candy to those going to that rally while intervening here. We expect the security forces to also offer cotton candy to the young people here." These remarks particularly drew a strong reaction from the DEM Party. DEM Party Van MP Pervin Buldan quoted Yavaş's words and added the note "Fascist."