Imamoglu’s Detention and the Political Fallout

Imamoglu’s detention,which occurred a month prior on march 23,stems from accusations of corruption within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. The court’s decision to impose a permanent arrest measure has ignited widespread protests across major Turkish cities, resulting in clashes with police and numerous detentions. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the NRP has nominated Imamoglu as a candidate for the upcoming presidential election, slated for 2028 but potentially subject to change.

Critics view Imamoglu’s arrest as politically motivated,an assertion the Turkish government vehemently denies,maintaining the independence of its judicial system,according to the AP.

“The people Are Standing Their Will”: Rallies Across Turkey

The Yozgat rally marks the second in a series of protests organized by NRP leader Yozgur Jozel. These rallies, planned for every weekend in various Turkish counties, carry the banner The people are standing their will, demanding Imamoglu’s release. the initial protest took place in Samsun, a city on the Black Sea.Additionally, weekly demonstrations are held every Wednesday in different districts of Istanbul.

Farmers Join the Protest in Yozgat

The Yozgat rally also served as a platform to support local farmers who had previously protested Imamoglu’s arrest, according to Sosji’s opposition television. Reports indicate that Yozgat Square was filled with demonstrators waving flags and holding posters of Imamoglu, along with signs calling for his release and early elections. Participants represented a diverse range of political affiliations.

Jozel arrived at the rally driving a tractor, followed by a convoy of farmers in their own tractors, traveling approximately 6 kilometers to the protest site, Sosju reported.

A Message from the Detained Mayor

A letter penned by Imamoglu from detention was read aloud at the rally. In it, he stated:

Millions of our citizens throughout Anatolia warn the government, inviting it to the right path – the rich, the poor, the right, the middle class, all ask the government for the same thing. Listen to the nation.

Jozel’s Address to the Crowd

Jozel characterized the Yozgat rally as one of the largest in the city’s history, according to MediacSa portal.

I saw that some people look up,with arrogance,and see the peasants of Ozgat like ants and try to crush them.I warn the government from here: we will not allow you to crush those farmers who are hard -working as ants. The ant has a brother.

Jozel also asserted that imamoglu’s arrest and subsequent injustices have inflicted economic damage.

Yozgat: A Nationalist Stronghold Turned opposition Hub

Yozgat, a city of approximately 500,000 residents, serves as the center of its namesake district, with agriculture as a primary source of income. Until 2024, Yozgat was considered a stronghold of the Nationalist Action party, led by Devlet bahcheli, an ally of President Erdogan.Though, in recent local elections, the Proisel Party of the new well -being secured a surprising victory with a nearly 7 percent margin, shifting the city’s political alignment to the opposition.

Solidarity Protests in Istanbul

In Istanbul, a large group of students gathered at Beyad Square, in front of Istanbul University, to march to Sarachhane Square in support of the Yozgat rally. Turkish media reported an increased police presence in the area.

The Istanbul governor’s office ordered the temporary closure of several metro stations in downtown Istanbul – Taksim, Shishhane, and Kabash – starting at 3 p.m.

Additionally, a planned pro-Palestine procession organized by the main opposition NPP was banned by city authorities, according to Jumhuriet.