300 Arrested as Protests Intensify in Turkey

The arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, on Wednesday, March 19, has sparked nationwide protests that are growing.

While protesters see Imamoglu's arrest just days before he announces his candidacy in Turkey's next presidential election as a political move, Ankara denies this and accuses the opposition of politicizing it.

Although protests have been banned in Turkey for four days, various cities in the country have seen serious protests since Wednesday, according to Reuters.

Protest demonstrations and rallies are being held, including on the campuses of Istanbul University.

Turkish police used water cannons and tear gas to confront protesters who held protests for the third consecutive night last night.

In Izmir, Ankara and other cities, riot police also used water cannons to disperse crowds.

Turkish authorities arrested 343 people during overnight protests in several cities across the country over the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the Interior Ministry said on Saturday. The protests took place in more than 10 cities, including Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, and the capital Ankara, the ministry said in a statement.

Tensions are expected to rise in Turkey on Saturday and Sunday as a court ruling on the Istanbul mayor’s formal arrest is expected.

Imamoglu, 54, faces charges including embezzlement and aiding a terrorist group. Imamoglu has denied corruption charges, according to a court document.