Erdoğan’s governance is marked by autocratic practices and a relentless suppression of dissent

DiEM25 unequivocally condemns Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan‘s latest authoritarian action – the politically motivated arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. This blatant attempt to eliminate political opposition undermines democratic principles and has justifiably ignited widespread protests across the country.​

The detention of İmamoğlu, a prominent rival to Erdoğan, has sparked the largest anti-government demonstrations in Turkey in a decade.

These protests have united diverse segments of society, including students and labour unions, advocating for judicial independence and economic reforms. Despite facing police crackdowns and mass arrests, the movement continues to gain momentum, reflecting the public’s growing frustration with Erdoğan’s oppressive regime. ​

Özgür Özel, leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has called for weekly rallies and an expanded economic boycott targeting businesses linked to Erdoğan’s administration, with the latest push against the authoritarian leader showing no signs of slowing down.  

A tenure marked by authoritarian acts

Erdoğan’s governance is marked by autocratic practices and a relentless suppression of dissent. His administration has systematically dismantled democratic institutions, stifled free expression, and violated human rights.​

The assault on press freedom under Erdoğan is particularly alarming, with the country having been ranked as the worst in the world in this regard on several occasions in the last decade, and third this year.

Journalists face imprisonment on dubious charges, media outlets are forcibly closed, and independent reporting is virtually extinguished. The convictions of Can Dündar and Erdem Gül for exposing state secrets exemplify the regime’s intolerance for journalistic integrity. Furthermore, the recent arrest of Swedish journalist Joakim Medin is a perfect example of the ongoing crackdown on media professionals.

And, more recently, his prominent role in the intervention in Syria has not only further destabilised the region but also contributed to the emergence of extremist leadership that will wreak havoc in an already troubled part of the world.

So while the arrest of İmamoğlu may have been the trigger for this latest round of protests across Turkey, they are far from an isolated incident. The Turkish people have had enough of being led with an iron fist and its time that their voices were heard.

DiEM25 stands in solidarity with the Turkish people in their pursuit of democracy, justice, and human rights. We support their courageous efforts to resist authoritarianism and advocate for a free and democratic Turkey. It is imperative that the international community holds Erdoğan accountable and supports the Turkish citizens’ struggle for freedom and dignity.

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