News / protest
Students protest arrest of Istanbul mayor
More than a dozen students gathered in front of Wills Memorial Building on Thursday to call for “democracy, justice and human rights” in Turkey.
On Sunday, Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of the Turkish city of Istanbul and a candidate in the country’s upcoming 2028 presidential election, was formally arrested and detained by Turkish police on charges of corruption.
Since his arrest, tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Turkey every day in protest, arguing the arrest was politically motivated.
is needed now More than ever
İmamoğlu is seen by many as the key challenger to incumbent Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the upcoming election.
Students from Bristol, Bath and Cardiff gathered outside Wills Memorial Building in protest against the arrest and detention of a Turkish presidential candidate
Many protesting in Turkey are thought to be university students.
On Thursday, members of Turkish student groups from the Universities of Bristol, Bath and Cardiff gathered in front of the Wills Memorial Building to stand alongside those protesting in Turkey.
Many covered their faces with masks, concerned about reports coming out of Turkey that protestors are being identified, arrested and detained by the police.
In a statement, Erkan, one of the student protestors, said: “We gathered in front of Wills Memorial Building today because we believe in a free and fair society, just as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (the founder and first president of Turkey) envisioned for our country.
“Atatürk’s vision of a democratic, secular and just Türkiye is under threat and we cannot remain silent.
“What is happening in Türkiye right now is a direct attack on those values.
“We will never stop fighting for a Türkiye where democracy, justice and human rights are respected and where every citizen’s voice matters.”
Protestors said the recent arrest and detention of the Istanbul mayor went against the ideals of Turkish founding father Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Erkan continued: “İmamoğlu’s arrest is not just about one person. It’s a reflection of a deeper problem, the systematic erosion of our rights and the growing suppression of freedom for everyone.
“The use of force against innocent people standing up for justice and their rights is unacceptable.
“We stand united in our demand for freedom, fairness and the release of İmamoğlu. It is important not to forget that this is not just about one person. It’s about all of us and it’s about honouring the legacy of Atatürk.
“We will not be silenced and will continue to speak out until justice is served, no matter the cost.
“The people’s voice will not be crushed by violence or intimidation.”
All photos: Rob Browne
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