Erdogan: Will not allow "street terror"
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vows to fight back against the demonstrations that have flared up in the country. In a speech, Erdogan says that public order will not be disturbed, Reuters reports.
"We will not give in to vandalism and street terrorism," he says in a speech.
After Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested on Wednesday, Erdogan imposed a four-day ban on demonstrations. At the same time, several social media platforms in Turkey were blocked. However, this has not stopped thousands from demonstrating around the country in the past two days.
Imamoglu is seen as Erdogan's main challenger in the next presidential election and was expected to be elected as the opposition CHP's candidate this weekend.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vows to fight back against the demonstrations that have flared up in the country. In a speech, Erdogan says that public order will not be disturbed, Reuters reports.
"We will not give in to vandalism and street terrorism," he says in a speech.
After Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested on Wednesday, Erdogan imposed a four-day ban on demonstrations. At the same time, several social media platforms in Turkey were blocked. However, this has not stopped thousands from demonstrating around the country in the past two days.
Imamoglu is seen as Erdogan's main challenger in the next presidential election and was expected to be elected as the opposition CHP's candidate this weekend.
Opposition: Defy ban with peaceful protests
The Turkish opposition party CHP is calling on its supporters to defy the ban on demonstrations and take to the streets for peaceful protests against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, reports AP.
The government calls the protests of the past two days “illegal and unacceptable”. CHP chairman Özgür Özel is pushing back against the criticism.
“It is not us who are filling these streets and squares. It is your lawlessness and your injustice that have brought people out,” says Özgür Özel.
Thousands have demonstrated across Turkey in recent days. Imamoglu, who is seen as Erdogan’s main challenger in the next presidential election, was arrested just days before he was expected to be chosen as the party’s candidate.
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