Turkey's Erdogan says he 'won't give in' amid protests

Turkish riot police on Friday clashed with demonstrators protesting over the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, who is a political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

On Wednesday, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested in an early morning raid on his residence over alleged links to corruption and terror. Imamoglu's arrest came just days ahead of his expected nomination as presidential candidate for the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).

Riot officers fired rubber bullets and pepper spray at demonstrators in Istanbul, while members of the crowd threw lit flares. In the western city of Izmir, police used tear gas and water canon to disperse protesters.

How has the CHP reacted to Imamoglu's arrest?

His supporters say the arrest was a politically motivated attempt to remove a popular challenger to Erdogan's more than two decades of rule. Presidential elections in Turkey are slated for 2028, but they would have to be held earlier in order for Erdogan to run again.

"I invite tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, and millions to peacefully demonstrate, express our democratic reaction, and exercise our constitutional rights," CHP leader Ozgur Ozel said Friday

University students chant slogans and hold signs during a protest outside Istanbul University Image: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Thousands of people have protested in Turkish cities since Imamoglu's arrest. In Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, clashes erupted between police and protesters. In response, authorities have announced a five-day ban on demonstrations.

"To those who say that calling people to the streets is irresponsible, I say this: We are not the ones filling these streets and squares. It is your lawlessness and injustices that have brought people out," said opposition leader Ozel.

Turkish media, including the Cumhuriyet newspaper, reported that police began questioning Imamoglu on Friday afternoon. He can be held without charges for up to four days.

What has Erdogan's reaction been?

On Friday, President Erdogan said in a speech that authorities "would not allow public order to be damaged," and vowed not to "give in to vandalism or street terrorism."

Imamoglu's arrest is part of a monthslong legal crackdown on Turkey's opposition.

According to the prosecutors, Imamoglu is accused of misusing his position for financial gain.

In another investigation, Imamoglu is accused of helping the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), considered a terrorist organization in Turkey, the United States and other countries, by allegedly forming an alliance with Kurdish groups for the Istanbul municipal elections.

Other arrests were also made, including two Istanbul district mayors.

Turkey's government has rejected claims of politically motivated legal actions against the opposition, insisting instead that courts operate independently.

Edited by: Sean Sinico