Antalya, Türkiye - March 23, 2025 Güven Güneş published videos showing police using water cannons to disperse protesters during a violent intervention at demonstrations in Antalya. Mass protests across major Turkish cities, now in their fifth day, have turned from peaceful rallies into fierce clashes with security forces. In cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya, riot police have used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons against demonstrators. The unrest began after the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul’s popular mayor, on March 20th, over corruption and terrorism charges. İmamoğlu, a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, sparked nationwide outrage, with protests growing into a movement against government policies. Images of security forces beating students and making violent arrests in Istanbul have intensified public anger. Some protesters have retaliated, throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at police in several areas. Turkey reports over 343 arrests and 16 injured officers, with Erdoğan calling the protests “street terrorism” and “vandalism.” The Republican People’s Party (CHP), İmamoğlu’s party, labeled his arrest a “judicial coup” and urged supporters to protest. Chanting “Erdoğan is a dictator” and “Government resign,” demonstrators demand İmamoğlu’s release and an end to democratic suppression. The ongoing unrest highlights growing discontent with Erdoğan’s rule, raising concerns about Turkey’s political stability.