Ankara, Türkiye - March 23, 2025 Yüsra Batıhan, a journalist at Dokuz8 News, published videos showing police using water cannons, plastic bullets, and pepper spray against protesters in Ankara. The footage captured authorities dragging citizens, described by Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş as “children,” across the ground during arrests. These events unfolded just two minutes from a CHP rally, intensifying the tension in the capital. In Istanbul, the jailing of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has sparked Turkiye’s worst street unrest in years. Four days after a predawn raid involving hundreds of police, Imamoglu was stripped of his title on Sunday and sent to Silivri Prison. His arrest stems from corruption charges, though a separate “terrorism” case did not lead to formal detention. The Ministry of Interior suspended him as mayor of Turkiye’s largest city, prompting outrage. Officials deny political motives, claiming the courts are independent, but protests have grown. Authorities demanded the closure of over 700 X accounts, targeting journalists, students, and political figures. X called the move “unlawful” and vowed to fight for free speech, though some accounts, including protest organizers, were suspended. In Istanbul, riot police used rubber bullets and pepper spray, while Ankara saw water cannons deployed. The crackdown has fueled anger among Imamoglu’s supporters and citizens nationwide.