March 25, 2025 - 11:34 AMT
Erdogan blames opposition for violence wave in Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan placed the responsibility for the protests, which led to violence and property damage, on the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). According to Erdogan, the party, which includes imprisoned Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, and specifically its leader Ozgur Ozel, are to blame for the events.

"We watched with concern the events that unfolded after the call by the leader of the main opposition party to take to the streets, which quickly escalated into violent actions. Due to attacks from marginal organizations and urban gangs, 123 of our police officers were injured during these days," said Erdogan, according to Vestnik Kavkaza.

The president accused the party leadership, including its chairman, of irresponsible actions that, according to him, led to the injuries of police officers, destruction of store windows, and material damage to state property, which is estimated in billions of lira.

Erdogan assured that the situation would be evaluated by parliament members, and the prepared reports would be forwarded to the court for further investigation.