100th Day of Imamoğlu’s Incarceration: Uprisings Continue

On July 1, 2025, marking the 100th day since the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor and the Republican People’s Party’s presidential candidate, Ekrem İmamoğlu, thousands of supporters filled the Saraçhane Square in Istanbul to display their continued opposition once again.

Since the moment İmamoğlu’s incarceration was mentioned on March 19, many people from all around Türkiye, of any age, came together to form the nationwide uprising. İmamoğlu remains detained in Marmara Prison in Silivri, facing corruption and terrorism-related charges, which his supporters and critics alike have denounced as politically motivated.

The Republican People’s Party (CHP), Türkiye’s main opposition party, organized the event itself through a direct call from Ekrem Imamoğlu from prison; he asked people to gather in Saraçhane on July 1 to show their anger and defend their rights and freedoms.

The X post of Ekrem Imamoglu (x.com)

A message from Ekrem Imamoğlu was read by the party’s Istanbul provincial chair, Özgür Çelik: “They are seeking to force the nation to submit in order to establish a regime without opposition, where those who come to power through elections do not leave through elections. That is why our nation has been defending its rights and freedoms for 100 days. No power can stand against a nation that rises up for justice and freedom.”

The leader of the main opposition party, Özgür Özel, also made several speeches addressing the massive crowd while also criticizing President Erdoğan: “You fear Ekrem’s poster, his voice… You will go; Ekrem will be president.” Imamoğlu’s wife, Dilek Imamoğlu, especially thanked the youth available in the crowd for their support and determination in her speech.

After the rally, the police intervened against a group of young people who did not disperse. Harsh acts of the police were something heavily debated during the first uprisings as well. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has reported 42 arrests, citing charges of insulting President Erdoğan and resisting law enforcement. Some journalists were also arrested as a part of this 42. Among those arrested during the rally are some journalists: İrem Karataş, Erdem Öktem, and Engin Deniz İpek, who were then released, according to the Cumhuriyet newspaper. After her release, İrem Karataş posted on social media about the situation, stating that they were handcuffed despite repeatedly saying that they were journalists and they could show their press cards if needed.

Mahmut Tanal, a deputy for the Republican People’s Party for Şanlıurfa who is well known for his critical tone and determination to defend his beliefs, criticized these police acts as well. “You cannot beat up deputies or beat individuals with money. This is what will happen to the country if police personnel are created from the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Nationalist Movement Party’s (MHP) youth wings.”

As long as Ekrem Imamoğlu is kept in prison, these movements are nowhere close to ending. Especially the youth taking part in uprisings, supporters of Imamoğlu demonstrate a great example of commitment with their continuous criticism and reactions.

Edited by: Ömer Gökce