Turkish authorities have arrested 173 people in İstanbul on seventh night as protests rage over the detention of opposition mayors, including İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, legal organisations reported on Tuesday.
The arrests stem from ongoing demonstrations across Turkey, which erupted after İmamoğlu and other opposition figures were taken into custody on 19 March. The protests, marked by daily street gatherings and university boycotts, have seen at least 1,418 people detained nationwide.
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The İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had sought the detention of 206 people on Monday. The Lawyers for Freedom Association (ÖHD) İstanbul Branch stated that 173 were formally arrested, while 31 received house arrest, two were barred from leaving the country, and one was released under judicial control.
“These politically motivated arrests aim to instil fear by weaponising the legal system,” ÖHD said in a statement, vowing to defend citizens’ constitutional rights.
The Contemporary Lawyers’ Association (ÇHD) İstanbul Branch reported similar figures, detailing that arrests followed multiple waves of detentions in recent days. On 22 March, 108 protesters were arrested from İstanbul’s Saraçhane district, the focal point of opposition-led rallies.
Legal groups claim judicial authorities changed their approach mid-process. “Those initially told they would be released under judicial control were suddenly referred for arrest under charges of violating the protest law,” ÖHD stated, accusing judicial officials of acting under political directives.
Protests have intensified in response to the government’s handling of the opposition-run İstanbul and Şişli municipalities. Alongside İmamoğlu, Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan and Beylikdüzü Mayor Murat Çalık were detained and subsequently removed from office. A state-appointed trustee has since taken over Şişli Municipality.
Critics argue that the arrests reflect a broader campaign against opposition voices. “These decisions will be condemned both legally and in history,” ÖHD asserted.
With demonstrations persisting across Turkey, legal groups and opposition figures pledge continued resistance against what they describe as an erosion of fundamental rights.
