Mass protests are sweeping across Turkey as people take to the streets against the oppressive rule of President Erdoğan, which has made life unbearable for many.
For years, tens of thousands have been imprisoned on fabricated charges, facing relentless repression and attacks. Most recently, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was added to this long list of political targets, sparking outrage and mass demonstrations across the country.
In the past week alone, over 1,300 people have been detained, and hundreds have been arrested.
• Students have announced a school boycott, refusing to attend classes.
• The teachers’ union, Eğitim-Sen, has joined the protest, declaring that “education cannot exist without students.”
• Union leader Mehmet Türkmen, who was imprisoned for 36 days, has been released and called on workers to fight for true democracy, saying, “Real democracy will be won by the workers.”
Meanwhile, Erdoğan has resorted to old tactics, attempting to divide the country by falsely accusing protesters of turning mosques into bars—a clear attempt to manipulate public sentiment in a society where alcohol consumption is often stigmatized.
But the people are no longer buying these lies. Once again, millions are in the streets across hundreds of cities and towns, chanting “Government resign! Erdoğan resign!” and refusing to back down.
Erdoğan is oppressing his own people. He is doing everything in his power to stay in office, but the people no longer want him. As his rule becomes more fragile, he grows increasingly aggressive.
The international community, particularly pro-democracy governments and citizens in Europe and the UK, must not remain silent. The people of Turkey need solidarity in their fight against Erdoğan’s authoritarianism.
