Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, amid ongoing protests in Istanbul and other cities, addressed demonstrators, stating that the government will not turn a blind eye to irresponsible calls for “street terror,” Tengrinews.kz reported, citing RIA Novosti.
“By following marginal groups, attacking our police, threatening our judges and prosecutors, defying democracy and national will, and resorting to unlawful and undemocratic means, nothing can be achieved in this country. Turkey is not a country found on the streets. Turkey will not surrender to street terror,” the Turkish leader said on Friday.
According to him, the government will not tolerate attempts to terrorize Turkey.
“I want to make it clear: we will not allow any attempt to terrorize Turkey, to disrupt its peace, or to threaten the stability of our people just to protect certain personal fates and interests. We reject any harm to the eternal and enduring brotherhood of our nation. Remember, the call to take to the streets by the CHP chairman (leader of the opposition Republican People's Party, Ozgur Ozel – ed.) is a dead end,” Erdogan said.
On Wednesday, March 19, Istanbul's chief prosecutor announced the detention of the city’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, over charges linked to an organization accused of corruption, bribery, influence peddling, and aiding terrorism. The mayor himself stated that he has “no intention of giving in” under government pressure.
The arrest of the popular opposition politician sparked mass protests, despite increased security measures in central areas and a ban on rallies and demonstrations in the city until Sunday.
On Thursday, March 20, demonstrations supporting Imamoglu took place in Ankara and Istanbul. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that 16 police officers were injured as a result of the protests.
Commenting for the first time on Imamoglu’s detention, Erdogan accused the opposition of politically pressuring law enforcement and the judiciary. He added that the government has no time to argue with the opposition, as it is focused on solving the nation’s problems.
The Turkish presidential administration also stated that “unfounded slander” has been directed at Erdogan regarding the Imamoglu case, noting that Imamoglu is seen as a main rival to the current president in potential early elections.
Ctrl
Enter
Did you find a Mistake?
Highlight the phrase and press Ctrl+EnterRelated News
