Who is to Blame for the Wave of Violence in Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stated that the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and its leader Özgür Özel are fully responsible for the wave of violence that has erupted in Turkey in recent days, following calls from the opposition regarding the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, according to TASS.

"We are closely monitoring the events that unfolded after the leader of the main opposition party called on people to take to the streets, which quickly escalated into violence. Over the past few days, 123 of our police officers have been injured due to attacks from extremist organizations and urban thugs. Unfortunately, the leadership of the opposition party, including its president, demonstrated a vivid example of irresponsibility. The party leader and his associates, who incited the public to go into the streets, bear full responsibility for the injuries to police officers, the damage to shop owners whose windows were smashed, and the billions of lira in damages to state property. All of this will be examined in parliament, and legal reports will be submitted to the court,” Erdoğan said.

His speech was broadcast live on Turkish television channels. Protests and clashes with police in Turkey have been occurring since March 19, when Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was taken into custody and subsequently arrested. In rallies before the public, opposition forces urged people to “fill the streets.” İmamoğlu faces accusations of corruption and aiding terrorism.