Erdogan: "We do not accept 'street terrorism'"

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking against the backdrop of protests in Istanbul and other cities of the country, emphasized that the government will not turn a blind eye to the irresponsible calls of "street terrorism," as reported by Tengrinews.kz citing RIA Novosti.

"By following marginal groups, attacking our police, threatening our judges and prosecutors, opposing democracy and national will, resorting to illegal and undemocratic means, we will achieve nothing in this country. Turkey is not a country found on the streets. Turkey does not accept street terrorism," said the Turkish leader on Friday.

According to him, the government will not allow attempts to "terrorize" Turkey.

"I want to emphasize that we will not allow attempts to terrorize Turkey, disrupt its peace, and threaten the stability of our citizens. We do not agree to harm the eternal and constant brotherhood of this nation. Remember, the call to take to the streets by the chairman of the Republican People's Party (the leader of the Turkish opposition Republican People's Party, Özgür Özel - ed.) is a knot," Erdogan said.

On Wednesday, March 19, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced that the city mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, had been detained in connection with the establishment of an organization engaged in corruption, bribery, purchasing, and aiding terrorist activities. The mayor himself stated that he is "not willing to surrender" under government pressure.

The detention of the prominent opposition politician led to mass protests, while the government intensified security measures in central streets and banned any rallies and demonstrations in the city until Sunday.

On Thursday, March 20, protests were held in Ankara and Istanbul in support of İmamoğlu. According to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, 16 police officers were injured as a result of the protests.

As Erdogan commented for the first time on the situation surrounding İmamoğlu's detention, he spoke about the political pressure attempts on the police and justice system by the opposition. According to him, the government has no time to "fight" with the opposition, as it is busy solving the country's problems.

The Turkish president's administration issued a statement regarding the "baseless slander" against Erdogan in the context of İmamoğlu's detention, as he is seen as the main rival of the incumbent head of state in the upcoming presidential elections.