Turkey Detains 11 Over Calls for Business Boycott
ISTANBUL — Turkish authorities detained at least 11 people Thursday, including a well-known actor, for allegedly inciting a boycott of businesses in support of jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The detentions are the latest development in a series of events that have heightened political tensions in Turkey.
The arrests stem from a call for a one-day nationwide boycott on Wednesday, April 2, organized by university students and backed by the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). The boycott was intended to protest the March 19 imprisonment of İmamoğlu on corruption charges, which his supporters claim are politically motivated.
Arrests and Accusations
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office issued arrest warrants for 16 individuals, accusing them of "inciting hatred and discrimination" and "provoking public enmity." Among those detained is Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu, an actor known for his role in the Netflix docuseries "Rise of Empires: Ottoman" and the popular series "Şakir Paşa Ailesi: Mucizeler ve Skandallar" (The Şakir Paşa Family: Miracles and Scandals). Üzümoğlu had previously posted on X, stating that boycotts are a constitutionally protected form of protest.
The Actors' Union has condemned the detentions and expressed solidarity with Üzümoğlu. Zuhal Olcay, the union's president, emphasized the importance of solidarity during a time when actors are facing dismissals and detentions.
Opposition Boycott and Government Response
The CHP initially launched a boycott of pro-government businesses and media organizations that did not cover the mass protests demanding İmamoğlu's release. CHP leader Özgür Özel called for the April 2 purchase boycott to further pressure the government. Some businesses, including cafes, restaurants, and bars in Istanbul and Ankara, heeded the call and remained closed.
Government officials have condemned the boycott as an attempt to destabilize the economy. Trade Minister Ömer Bolat claimed the boycott had no impact, citing increased shopping activity on April 2. State-run Anadolu Agency (AA) published credit card spending data to support the claim that the boycott was ineffective. Bolat accused the opposition of trying to distract from corruption investigations against İmamoğlu and other municipal officials.
Online Censorship
In addition to the detentions, two other actors, Rojda Demirer and Alican Yücesoy, had their X accounts blocked in Turkey after expressing support for the boycott. Özel has appealed to X's Turkey office and its Global Government Affairs division, warning of potential consequences if the platform continues what he described as "anti-democratic" practices.
İmamoğlu's Imprisonment and Political Context
Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent figure in the CHP, was arrested on March 19 on corruption charges. Critics argue that the charges are politically motivated and aimed at undermining İmamoğlu, who has been confirmed as the CHP's presidential candidate. While in prison, İmamoğlu remains a significant political force, with many viewing his imprisonment as an attempt to silence a key opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Large-scale anti-government protests erupted following İmamoğlu's arrest. According to the independent ANKA News Agency, approximately 2,000 people have been detained since March 19, with 316 jailed pending trial, mostly on charges related to participating in protests.
Broader Implications
The detentions and online censorship raise concerns about freedom of expression and the state of democracy in Turkey. The government insists that the judiciary is independent and free of political interference. However, critics argue that the crackdown on dissent is part of a broader pattern of suppressing opposition voices.
The events surrounding İmamoğlu's imprisonment and the subsequent protests and boycotts have further polarized Turkish society. The next election is currently scheduled for 2028 but is likely to take place earlier, and the political climate is expected to remain tense in the lead-up to the vote. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle between the government and its opponents, and the challenges to democratic norms in Turkey.
