Allowed for Erdoğan’s Son, Banned for the Opposition
In Turkey, the Istanbul Governor’s Office has refused to permit the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), to hold a solidarity march for Palestine. The event, titled “Free Palestine Walk: From the River to the Sea,” was planned to take place on the Galata Bridge in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
Özgür Çelik, the Istanbul CHP Provincial Chairman, reacted strongly to the ban, stating that they had not sought permission but merely informed the authorities of their plan. He criticized the decision on social media, saying:
“Those who claim to defend Palestine in words remained silent in the face of Trump’s inhumane statements about Gaza. Worse, today, the Istanbul Governor’s Office refused to allow us, as the Republican People’s Party, to march in support of the Palestinian people on the Galata Bridge—a place where the ruling AKP has held numerous rallies before.”
Double Standards in Protests
Çelik pointed out the apparent double standards in protest regulations. He noted that for the past two years, the pro-government Turkey Youth Foundation (TÜGVA), led by President Erdoğan’s son, Bilal Erdoğan, has been allowed to hold Palestine solidarity demonstrations on January 1st. However, when the opposition sought to do the same, they were blocked.
Erdoğan’s Contradictions on Palestine
Critics argue that Erdoğan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) use symbolic gestures to appear as defenders of the Palestinian cause while maintaining economic ties with Israel. CHP leader Özgür Özel highlighted this contradiction, stating:
“Erdoğan has turned his face towards Israel. That is why he remains silent about Trump’s genocidal plans for Gaza.”
The opposition sees this incident as further proof that Erdoğan is not a true ally of the Palestinian people but rather prioritizes his relationship with Trump. As Özel pointed out, Erdoğan himself has repeatedly referred to Trump as “my friend.”
This latest ban has sparked outrage among opposition supporters, raising concerns about political bias in Turkey’s handling of protests and free speech.
