Today in Focus
The arrest that plunged Turkey into turmoil
Mar 26, 2025
Sami Kent, a senior producer and Turkish politics expert, joins Ruth Michaelson, a Guardian foreign correspondent in Istanbul, to discuss the eruption of public protests after President Erdoğan's arrest of rival Ekrem Imamoglu. They delve into the parallels with the 2013 Gezi Park protests and explore how Imamoglu's rise symbolizes hope for democracy. They also scrutinize Turkey's political landscape, the public’s response to government crackdowns, and Erdoğan's international maneuvering amid growing unrest.
30:02
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Quick takeaways
- The arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu symbolizes a critical moment for Turkish democracy, igniting widespread protests across the country.
- Public outcry against Erdogan's authoritarian rule indicates a significant shift in sentiment, uniting diverse groups in the fight for democratic values.
Deep dives
Erdogan's Arrest of Imamoglu
The recent arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been perceived as a significant blow to Turkish democracy. As Erdogan consolidates his power, the arrest, which many view as politically motivated, comes just before Imamoglu was expected to be declared the opposition's presidential candidate for upcoming elections. Critics argue that such actions are a desperate measure from Erdogan, who has maintained a tight grip on opposition for over two decades. The fallout from Imamoglu's arrest sparked extensive protests in Istanbul and beyond, highlighting a growing discontent among the populace and symbolizing a fight for democratic values in Turkey.
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