Turkey's President Erdogan criticises opposition party after mass protests over his main rival's arrest

24 March 2025, 15:53 | Updated: 24 March 2025, 18:12

The Turkish president has criticised the country's main opposition party, claiming demonstrations against the jailing of his main political rival turned into "a movement of violence".

On the past five nights, thousands of people have filled the streets in multiple Turkish cities to protest against the detention and arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul.

Having been detained last Wednesday, Mr Imamoglu was formally arrested and jailed pending trial on Sunday, galvanising another night of protests.

Speaking in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today said the Republican People's Party (CHP) was responsible for any property damage and harm to police officers.

He said the party would eventually feel ashamed for the "evil" they have done to Turkey.

While the demonstrations have largely been peaceful, there were some clashes - with police using water cannons, pepper spray and tear gas against protesters, some of whom threw stones and fireworks at riot officers.

Turkey's interior minister said 1,133 people were detained between 19 March and 23 March.

He said 123 police officers had been injured in the protests, with acid, fireworks, Molotov cocktails and knives being seized.