More than 1.1 thousand demonstrators detained, 123 police officers were injured for four days since the beginning of protests in Turkey over the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. This was announced by the head of the Interior Ministry of the Republic Ali Yerlikaya.

“During the demonstrations, 123 of our police officers were injured. Acid, stones, sticks, fireworks, Molotov cocktails, axes and knives were seized during the actions. Legal proceedings continue against those who attacked police, damaged public property and threatened the safety of our people. Between March 19 and March 23, 2025, 1,133 suspects were apprehended for unlawful acts. Among those captured, individuals linked to 12 different terrorist organizations were identified,” the minister wrote in X.

Yerlikaya noted in connection with the detentions that “in recent days, some circles have been abusing the right to assemble and demonstrate, attempting to disrupt public order, provoking street events and attacking the police.” “It was found that the detainees were previously prosecuted for 17 different crimes, including drugs, theft, fraud, sexual harassment, bodily harm,” he said.