Tensions continue to rise in Turkey as police forces violently dispersed a peaceful student demonstration at the Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara on Thursday. The protest was organized in response to the controversial arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure. The crackdown included the use of tear gas, water cannons, and plastic bullets, escalating the country’s political unrest.
According to liveworldupdates.com, the demonstration saw students marching toward METU, intending to deliver a public statement. However, they were met with a heavy police presence that swiftly suppressed the protest. Videos circulating on social media show chaos as students scattered and sought refuge, only to be detained shortly afterward.
Opposition politician Melih Meric, present at the protest, shared his experience online: “My fellow students merely wanted to issue a press release. The police shut it down forcefully. This is the result,” he said in a video, showing evidence of tear gas and water cannon use.
The unrest comes amid wider demonstrations throughout the country following Imamoglu’s arrest. Authorities accuse the mayor of corruption and alleged ties to a terrorist organization — charges many believe are politically motivated. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that nearly 1,900 individuals have been detained since the start of the protests.
As reported by liveworldupdates.com, police have begun conducting home raids targeting protest participants. In a further blow to press freedom, Turkey’s broadcasting regulator RTUK has imposed a 10-day ban on opposition television channel Sozcu TV, accusing it of inciting hatred and division.
The events in Ankara highlight growing concerns over freedom of expression and political repression in Turkey. International observers and human rights organizations have urged the Turkish government to respect democratic norms and end the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
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