Ali Yerlikaya announces: Number of detentions in İmamoğlu protests is rising

The investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) has sparked widespread repercussions across the country.

Following the news of the investigation opened against İBB Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, thousands of people gathered in squares in many cities to react to the decision.

Protest demonstrations were held during the night hours, primarily in Istanbul, as well as in Ankara, İzmir, Adana, Antalya, Çanakkale, Eskişehir, Konya, and Edirne.

SARAÇHANE SQUARE IS PACKED

The crowd that gathered, particularly in Saraçhane Square in Istanbul, gave messages of support to İmamoğlu.

In his latest post, Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya announced that a total of 343 people, who were alleged to have caused disturbances during the protests and did not disperse despite warnings, have been detained.

Ali Yerlikaya included the following statements in his post:

Regarding the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, 343 suspects were apprehended in the demonstrations that took place last night in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Adana, Antalya, Çanakkale, Eskişehir, Konya, and Edirne.

Those who seek to disrupt social order, threaten the peace and security of our nation, and pursue chaos and provocation will never be given an opportunity, and will absolutely not be tolerated.

Our police officers, who are the guarantors of our peace and security, are on duty day and night.