8,477 people detained in protests in Turkey in 2025

The Human Rights Association (İHD), in a report on the right to assembly and demonstration in Turkey, revealed that the exercise of the right to protest is being "systematically obstructed." The report stated that these obstructions occur in three stages, putting forward the finding that "the administration bans, the police obstruct, and the judiciary punishes."

In its report, the İHD stated that the right to protest has been further restricted, especially following the Gezi Park protests and with the state of emergency (OHAL) practices declared after July 15.

"126 DAYS OF BANS IN 13 PROVINCES"

According to the report, in 2025, all types of actions and events were banned for a total of 126 days through 19 separate decisions taken by governorates in 13 provinces. At the district level, ban decisions were implemented for a total of 74 days in 10 districts.

It was stated that the total population affected by these bans was 40 million 834 thousand 555 people, and it was emphasized that general and unjustified bans effectively eliminate the right to assembly.

"POLICE INTERVENTION AND DETENTIONS"

According to İHD data, law enforcement intervened in at least 268 demonstrations in 2025. In these interventions, at least 131 people were injured and 8,477 people were detained.

The report stated that the interventions were not limited to physical obstruction, but that access to assembly areas was also restricted.

"DIFFERENT ACTIONS, THOUSANDS OF DETENTIONS"

According to the İHD report:

-Following the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on March 19, 2025, at least 1,879 people were detained and at least 260 people were arrested due to protests in the following 9 days.

-In law enforcement interventions targeting May 1st events in Istanbul in 2025, at least 419 people, including 10 children and 11 lawyers, were detained. While 6 of those detained were arrested, at least 30 people were released under judicial control conditions.

-In interventions targeting March 8th events in Istanbul, at least 132 people, including 2 children, were detained. Numerous roads, public transport stops, and squares were closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

-Similar bans drew attention in Istanbul on November 25, and at least 23 people were detained. In the period between July 24, 2015, and July 24, 2024, at least 361 social demonstrations and marches were intervened in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions, while at least 570 demonstrations were banned or postponed. During the same period, as a result of violations regarding the exercise of this right, at least 27,984 people were detained, while 5,677 people were arrested. As a result of law enforcement interventions, at least 25 people lost their lives, and at least 436 people were injured.

-In law enforcement interventions targeting 2025 Pride Month events and Trans Pride Marches, at least 104 people, including 3 journalists, were detained.

-At least 923 people were detained and 119 people were arrested in protests that started in many provinces of Turkey due to the attacks in Aleppo.

-In 2025, at least 45 people were detained, 1 person was arrested, and legal proceedings were initiated against at least 23 people in interventions targeting meetings and demonstrations held to support Gaza and/or to criticize Israel and Turkey's policy toward Israel.

The published report concluded with a call for urgent reform regarding the restriction of the exercise of the right to protest. The necessary actions were listed as follows:

-Law No. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstration Marches should be amended to guarantee the right to peaceful assembly,

-Law No. 5442 should be amended to limit the banning authority granted to governorates and district governors with a proportionality test,

-All categorical bans on LGBTI+ events should be lifted,

-Obstacles to conducting effective investigations into law enforcement officers should be removed,

-The rights of observers and journalists should be guaranteed.

News Source: 12punto