Türkiye is arrested by dozens of online posts after Erdogan’s competitor

The authorities in Türkiye arrested dozens of people for “provocative” social media, after Istanbul’s mayor, Akram Emamio, was held on Wednesday.

IMamoglu was one of more than 100 people detained on charges including corruption and terrorist groups – a move that sparked protests in Istanbul and the capital, Ankara.

Imamoglu is a member of the Secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), a major competitor to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and he was appointed as a presidential candidate in the 2028 elections later this week.

Critics describe his arrest as a “coup” and are planning for more demonstrations, although Istanbul governor imposes a four -day ban on protests.

On Thursday morning, Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya announced that the police had identified 261 “suspects’ account managers” online.

They claim that they have published the content of breaking laws on “inciting the public to hatred and hostility” and “inciting to commit a crime.”

“Thirty -seven suspects were arrested and efforts continued to capture other suspects,” he said, adding that more than 18.6 million jobs appeared on the Internet about the arrest of Wednesday by 0600 local time (0300 GMT) on Thursday.

But these efforts have not yet deterred the demonstrators.

Tens of thousands gathered outside Istanbul Hall on Wednesday. Some demanded the resignation of the government, while others chanted “Erdogan, a dictator”.

The leader of the Chp Ozgur Ozel addressed the supporters in one march and invited them to “fill the streets”. A spokesman for the News Agency party told AFP that Ozil’s crowd is expected to be treated outside the hall again on Thursday in the local 2030 (1730 GMT).

The police clashed with the demonstrators in several places, firing tear gas and pepper spray.

The Turkish authorities also restricted the use of social media at the country after the arrest of Wednesday, including the use of WhatsApp, According to Netblocks, based in the United Kingdom.

Dozens of police officers participated in the raid at the IMAMOGLU home in Istanbul early Wednesday morning.

He was one of 106 people detained in the operation.

The arrests come as part of a major campaign in the country in recent months, which target opposition politicians, municipalities, journalists and numbers in the entertainment industry.

Local princes also announced on Thursday that they had seized a construction company owned by the Istanbul mayor, as part of the investigation of alleged financial crimes.

Opposition figures say the arrests are motivated. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Justice criticized those who linked Erdogan to arrest, and insisted on their judicial independence.

Last year, IMamoglu won the second period of Istanbul Mayor, when the CP party invaded the local elections there and in Ankara.

This was the first time since President Erdogan reached the power that defeated his party throughout the country in the ballot box.

The elections were also a personal blow to the president, who grew up and became the mayor of Istanbul as he ascended to power.

Erdogan has occupied his position over the past 22 years, as Prime Minister and Prime Minister. Because of the limits of the duration, he cannot run for the position again in 2028, unless the constitution changes.

The CHP presidential candidate, in which IMamoglu is the only person who runs, on Sunday.

Opposition groups are now inviting demonstrations that day.