Daijiworld Media Network - Ankara

Ankara, Mar 21: Turkey's government has issued a stern warning against “illegal” street protests after thousands rallied nationwide against the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Tayyip Erdogan’s key political rival.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported 53 arrests and 16 injured police officers following clashes in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, where protesters gathered at university campuses and municipal headquarters.

Imamoglu, who leads Erdogan in some polls, was detained Wednesday on charges of graft and aiding a terrorist group. The opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) called the move politically motivated, while European leaders condemned it as a sign of democratic backsliding.

CHP leader Ozgur Ozel rejected the government’s warning and vowed continued demonstrations. “Erdogan, you fear the streets, and we are now in the streets,” Ozel declared at a massive Istanbul rally late Thursday.

Imamoglu's arrest comes just days before the CHP planned to announce him as its presidential candidate. While no election is scheduled before 2028, Erdogan, 71, could call an early vote to circumvent term limits.

The mayor's detention follows a wider crackdown on opposition figures. Authorities have also annulled Imamoglu’s university degree, which—if upheld—could disqualify him from running for president under constitutional rules.

With protests gaining momentum, the CHP has vowed to resist any move to replace Imamoglu with a government appointee if his arrest is formalized.