The New York Times reports: 'Imamoglu's arrest has brought Turkey to its feet! The fire has already been lit'

The detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in an operation conducted at his home on March 19, followed by his arrest and transfer to Marmara Closed Prison, has caused a major stir in Turkey. In particular, the cancellation of Imamoglu's university diploma, which effectively blocked his presidential candidacy, has sparked harsh reactions both domestically and in the international community.

The New York Times (NYT), one of the US's prestigious newspapers, covered the developments in Turkey. In the report by Ben Hubbard and Safak Timur, it was emphasized that Imamoglu's arrest was not just about a single political figure, but that it had triggered a broader struggle for freedom, justice, and democracy.

'THE FIRE HAS ALREADY BEEN LIT'

Speaking to the NYT, Irem Tacyildiz, a student in the economics department at Middle East Technical University (METU), stated that the protests were developing not only against Imamoglu's arrest but also against the climate of oppression that has been increasing in the country for a long time, using the phrase, "The fire has already been lit."

The report noted that students at universities across Turkey have organized to form protest committees and are sharing information on social media regarding the use of gas masks and precautions to take against tear gas.

RESISTANCE MESSAGE FROM CHP 

The New York Times also pointed out that the Republican People's Party (CHP) has announced it will continue its election campaign despite Imamoglu's arrest. The report stated that CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel is personally managing the resistance by sleeping at the municipal building and has called for boycotts against companies close to the government that do not support the public's protests.

Ozel's statement, "We will not consume those who do not see this square," was given extensive coverage in the NYT report. The newspaper indicated that the protests, which have developed spontaneously in many cities across Turkey, could grow even larger in the coming period.

On the other hand, the report emphasized that these developments in Turkey have caused an international stir, and that statements on the matter are expected from the European Parliament and the US Department of State.

The NY Times assessed the events as a "critical threshold for democratic values and the rule of law in Turkey" and noted that the course of the protests could be decisive for the country's political future. 

News Source: 12punto