Protests And Rising Tension In Turkey: Is There A Way Forward? – OpEd
In recent days, numerous protests have taken place in Saraçhane, Güvenpark, and Eskişehir Yolu. However, these events are rarely shown on television. Social media platforms are either slowed down or censored, making it difficult to access detailed information. Meanwhile, international media outlets provide extensive analyses of the situation in Turkey.
The right to assembly, demonstration, and protest is a constitutional right. The use of force and chemical agents against citizens exercising this right is unacceptable. Law enforcement should focus on ensuring the safety of peaceful demonstrators. Tear gas, which has been scientifically proven to cause serious harm to human health, should be classified as a chemical weapon and immediately banned.
Following similar measures in Istanbul and Izmir, authorities in Ankara have also imposed a ban on demonstrations. Protests in the capital have seen significant participation from students at Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ), with reports of excessive force used by the police.
Available reports indicate that tensions have escalated during the protests in Saraçhane, with clashes between demonstrators and the police. During the March 2025 protests, which were linked to the detention of Ekrem İmamoğlu and subsequent investigations, serious confrontations took place.
There are claims that stones, sticks, and even acid were thrown at police officers during these demonstrations. According to a statement by Turkish Interior Minister on 20 March 2025, six police officers were injured in Saraçhane. Further reports indicate that during the protests on 23 March, acid was thrown at an officer, damaging their uniform, with a total of 16 officers injured and 323 individuals taken into custody. Protesters reportedly attacked barricades, while police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and batons, resulting in injuries on both sides.
It is evident that resistance and acts of violence against the police have taken place, leading to injuries among officers. Official statements suggest that the number of injured officers ranges from six to sixteen, depending on the specific incidents.
However, violence cannot provide a solution. Neither throwing stones, firecrackers, or Molotov cocktails at police officers nor using excessive force against students will lead to a resolution. It is important to acknowledge that there are also police officers who wish to stand with the people, and engaging in dialogue with them is crucial. At the same time, the pressures and challenges faced by security forces should not be ignored and must be addressed.
In the past, protesters often remained passive in the face of police interventions, enduring force and tear gas without significant resistance. Today, the situation has changed. Demonstrators are now responding, throwing incendiary materials at the police, and engaging in direct confrontations. This cycle of violence continues to grow, becoming increasingly difficult to control.
A particularly concerning issue is the lack of a clear and measured government response aimed at de-escalation. The increasing severity of police interventions and the reactions they provoke pose serious risks to social peace. If this trajectory is not altered, Turkey may find itself facing an even greater crisis.
Moreover, Turkey’s international reputation has suffered significantly. Investor confidence is declining, and financial markets are showing signs of instability.
To ensure social stability and security, dialogue and negotiation should be prioritised over restrictive measures. Otherwise, ongoing tensions may cause lasting damage to the country’s social fabric.
