The number of detained protesters in Turkey has exceeded 1,400.

Since March 19, 2025, Turkish police have detained 1,418 people in connection with the protests that began after the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. This was announced on March 25 by Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

"No concessions will be made to those who try <...> to attack our national and moral values, as well as our police officers," Yerlikaya wrote on his page on the social network X (ex. Twitter).

He clarified that 1,418 suspects were detained during the illegal demonstrations, while 979 suspects are still in custody, 478 people will be brought to judicial authorities on this day.

Yerlikaya urged citizens not to succumb to provocations, noting that any threats to public order will be suppressed.

Mayoral feeling: Turkey is preparing for new protests after the arrest of the head of Istanbul

What strategy will the current authorities of the country choose to resolve the conflict?

Law enforcement agencies issued a warrant for Imamoglu's detention on March 19. According to media reports, an anti-corruption operation has been launched against the Istanbul administration. It concerns the holding of city tenders, as well as clarifying the details of the interaction of opposition officials with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Later, mass protests began in Turkey in connection with the mayor's detention. Police in Istanbul used tear gas against protesters. Yerlikaya reported on March 20 that six policemen were injured during demonstrations in Istanbul. Rallies were also held in Ankara.

The mayor of Istanbul was arrested on March 23 by court order. After that, the country's Interior Ministry reported that Imamoglu had been temporarily suspended from his duties. On the same day, almost 15 million participants in the primaries of the opposition Republican People's Party (SNR) chose the arrested mayor as the only candidate to participate in the likely early presidential elections.