Clashes erupted between protesters and police after officers moved to break up a demonstration in support of the arrested mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, late on Sunday evening.
The protests have continued for a fifth consecutive day despite a ban on rallies in Istanbul, Turkiye’s largest city.
While some demonstrations remained peaceful, others escalated into violent confrontations with security forces.
Riot police tackled and threw protesters to the ground outside city hall, with some officers seen kicking and striking demonstrators with batons.
Imamoglu was detained on Wednesday on charges of corruption and alleged links to the Kurdistan Workers Party PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organisation in Turkiye.
On Sunday, an Istanbul court approved his arrest, leading to his immediate suspension from office. Imamoglu has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the charges against him are politically motivated.
Also read: Thousands protest in Istanbul over Oppn leader's arrest
A prominent figure in opposition politics, Imamoglu ran for vice president in the 2023 presidential election and is widely regarded as the Republican People’s Party CHP primary candidate for the 2028 presidential race.
In a post on X on Sunday, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that some police officers had been attacked during the demonstrations.
“We will never allow vandalism or threats to the peace and security of our nation,” he warned.
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel rejected claims that his party had encouraged violence.
Responding to Yerlikaya, he wrote, “You will respect the democratic reaction that is the constitutional right of the nation. Any order given against it will be unlawful.”
Supporters of Imamoglu have demanded his immediate release and threatened to escalate their protests.
Turkish authorities, however, have warned that any acts of violence against security personnel will have serious consequences.
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