23.03.2025 03:10
Tensions flared in Saraçhane during the protests that began following the operations targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB). Some demonstrators entered the İBB building after police intervention. Meanwhile, in the events that took place in Ankara, at least 60 protesters were detained, and 1 police officer and 1 security guard were injured.
The Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was detained as part of two different investigations, was transferred to Çağlayan Courthouse along with 91 suspects after completing his statement procedures at the police station.
Intense security measures were taken in front of Çağlayan Courthouse; a scuffle occurred between lawyers and police. A group of lawyers who wanted to enter the courthouse were surrounded by the police. The lawyers were not allowed to pass into the courthouse.
TENSION IN SARAÇHANE
Meanwhile, the CHP's call was not permitted by the police for groups gathering in Saraçhane and wanting to march to Taksim. The police intervened with tear gas and plastic bullets against those wanting to march to Taksim.
PROTESTERS ENTERED THE IMM BUILDING
The tension in Saraçhane continued after the rally. Protesters who escaped the police intervention entered the IMM Building. Some individuals fled and dispersed into side streets.
AT LEAST 60 PEOPLE DETAINED IN ANKARA
Meanwhile, in Ankara, protesters gathered at Güvenpark in response to the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, blocking the road and wanting to march from Kızılay towards the Parliament.
During the protest, slogans such as 'We are soldiers of Mustafa Kemal', 'Everywhere is resistance', and 'If you remain silent, it will be your turn next' were chanted. Protesters and police faced off on Meşrutiyet Street and Atatürk Boulevard. The police intervened with water and tear gas from water cannons, detaining at least 60 people. In the incidents, 1 police officer and 1 guard were also injured.
WHAT HAD HAPPENED?
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office had launched an investigation against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and 99 suspects for the crimes of "being a leader of a criminal organization," "being a member of a criminal organization," "embezzlement," "bribery," "qualified fraud," "illegally obtaining personal data," and "interfering with a tender." İmamoğlu was detained as part of these investigations.
Following the detention decision, numerous protests were held in many cities, and tense moments occurred between the police and demonstrators from time to time.