A group of protesters in Istanbul, advocating for the cessation of Turkey’s trade relations with Israel, faced violent arrests by the Turkish police on Sunday.
The demonstration, organised by the Thousand Youth for Palestine on Istanbul’s Istiklal Street, aimed to express solidarity with the Palestinian people but quickly escalated due to police intervention.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media captured the severity of the police’s response, showing officers using undue force — including kicks, slaps and handcuffing protestors in a manner that raised significant concerns about human rights abuses. These images have sparked outrage both domestically and internationally, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the police’s conduct.
The incident drew immediate condemnation from various political figures, including leaders from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). Yunus Emre and Ali Gökçek, CHP MPs dispatched to monitor the situation, reported that out of the 43 individuals detained, 38 were subsequently released, with the condition of the remaining five under review following a medical examination.
CHP leader Özgür Özel issued a statement condemning the police’s actions as a blatant disregard for the constitutional rights of freedom of expression and assembly. “Such treatment of young protestors is not only unacceptable but also violates the very principles of our constitution,” Özel remarked, stressing the necessity for the immediate release of the detainees and a commitment to closely follow the case.
Following public outcry, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that two police officers involved in the incident had been suspended, pending an investigation.
Amid the turmoil, pro-government social media users launched an online smear campaign against the protesters, notably spreading baseless claims about a young veiled woman’s involvement in the Gezi protests and accusations of her being a MOSSAD agent.
As those targeted strive to clear their names, public awareness is increasing regarding the government’s trade with Israel, which is believed to have contributed to the recent election defeat as it not only undermines the authenticity of its criticism of the situation in Gaza but also alienates its conservative base.
