On the 20th of March, 2025, Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul and potentially the strongest opponent of Türkiye’s current president in the upcoming presidential elections, was arrested over allegations of corruption and links to terrorism – claims that have raised significant concerns about their credibility and timing. This arrest and other repeatedly dismissed accusations against opposition show how this case is less about justice and more about political interests. Immediately after the incident, the government imposed a nationwide ban on gatherings, protests, and demonstrations without prior approval. The ban was enforced by city governors, who are directly appointed by the current president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan [1]. Major roads and public squares were blocked by the police [2], blatantly disregarding the constitutional rights of Turkish citizens. The country erupted in outrage.
Despite the ban, hundreds of thousands protested nationwide, opposing not just recent events but also long-standing anti-democratic practices, including political pressure on universities, crackdowns on opposition, journalist arrests [3], and civil rights violations.
Students across the country face police violence, including batons, rubber bullets, and tear gas. Many have been arrested under harsh conditions. At Istanbul University, students protested the mayor’s arrest and the unlawful annulment of his diploma, barring him from the presidency and deepening distrust in the legal system. Despite police blockades, students push toward main squares, with protests erupting in cities like Izmir and Ankara. Demonstrators demand government resignations [4], the restoration of judicial independence, and the rule of law.
Given the recent events, AEGEE-Europe stands in solidarity with all our members and young people actively participating in these demonstrations, defending democracy and their fundamental rights – rights that should never be restricted. As a youth organisation committed to the values of democracy, freedom of speech and expression, human rights and civic engagement [5], we are concerned about the current political situation in Türkiye and we condemn the oppressive actions taken by authorities.
We demand an immediate end to the violation of these values and we call upon authorities to guarantee that all young people, including our members, are allowed to exercise their democratic rights. AEGEE-Europe firmly stands with all those protesting and encourages all young people to use their voice and take a stand for democracy and free and fair elections in their country We also call on young people across Europe to stand in solidarity with protesters in Türkiye by joining demonstrations in their countries and spreading the word to amplify youth voices, because in times like this, defending democracy and human rights knows no borders.
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