Clashes erupt at mass opposition rally in Istanbul

Clashes broke out between police and protesters during a major rally led by opposition leader Özgür Özel at Istanbul’s Sarachane Square on Monday. The demonstration marked 100 days since the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

Speaking to the crowd, Özel said the Republican People’s Party (CHP) had collected over 20 million signatures backing Imamoglu as a presidential candidate. He also praised university students and residents who broke through police barricades on March 19 to prevent the appointment of a trustee (kayyum) to Istanbul municipality or CHP.

After the rally, demonstrators attempted to march toward the Bozdogan aqueduct, prompting police to use pepper spray. Several people were detained, including Cumhuriyet journalists Irem Karataş and Engin Deniz İpek.