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Detentions in Saraçhane: 'No one is without a lawyer'

On the anniversary of March 19, the day Ekrem İmamoğlu was detained and protests began, the Republican People's Party (CHP) had called for a gathering in Saraçhane. Following the rally, police began intervening against those exercising their legal rights to voice their legitimate demands.

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CHP Presidential Candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu was detained on the morning of March 19, 2025, on charges including establishing and managing a criminal organization, extortion, bribery, bid-rigging, unlawful recording of personal data, and cooperation with a terrorist organization; he was subsequently arrested, with the court citing a high risk of flight or concealment regarding charges other than supporting a terrorist organization.

'WE ARE MEETING IN SARAÇHANE'

The CHP's official X account issued a call stating, "You are afraid of our presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu, of our fellow travelers whom you have unlawfully imprisoned, and of the government we will build shoulder to shoulder with our nation! No matter how much you fear, we will win! On the first anniversary of the March 19 coup, we are meeting in Saraçhane with hundreds of thousands who believe in democracy!" This call resonated with many citizens, and the public gathered in Saraçhane Square. The 99th of the "The Nation Protects Its Will" rallies was held.

'WE DO NOT GET OUR STRENGTH FROM TRUMP'

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel used very harsh language against the government, stating, "We do not get our strength from across the ocean. We do not get our strength from Trump. We get our strength from this square, from the fighting spirit of this square, from the Republic entrusted to us by Atatürk, from those who believe in the ballot box—its most important achievement—from those who cling to their right to vote, and from those who stand by their choice. We get our strength from you! And we will protect our strength to the end, and we will never, ever leave anyone behind."

DETENTIONS BEGAN

The 99th "The Nation Protects Its Will" rally took place, and police began interventions afterward. While there is no clear information regarding the exact number of detentions, a statement from the Voice of the Lawyer Initiative (ASİ) was not delayed. ASİ stated, "We have received reports that detentions took place during the rally in Saraçhane. We are heading to the Istanbul Provincial Police Department. Necessary legal support will be provided for all those detained. No one is without a lawyer."

MANY MINORS WERE DETAINED

It was learned that 16 minors were among those detained. One individual is reported to be 16 years old.

On the other hand, according to ASİ, lawyers are not being allowed to meet with the detainees due to obstruction by police at the entrance of the Vatan Police Headquarters.

Thus, it emerged that 16 of the 35 people detained were children.

4 PEOPLE REFERRED TO THE COURTHOUSE

While 31 of the 35 detainees were released, 4 are being referred to the courthouse under police escort. While it was reported that those referred to the courthouse are adults, according to ASİ, lawyers faced arbitrary police conduct for five and a half hours and were not allowed to meet with the detainees.