Turkish regime authorities arrest 159 people during protests in Istanbul

Istanbul (ST):  The Turkish regime authorities arrested 159 people during protests in Istanbul that were staged  against the appointment of a new rector for one of the largest universities in the country  who was close to Erdogan.

Students and academic  staff of the Bosphorus University in Istanbul have been protesting for about two months about the appointment of Melih Polo, who is close to the ruling Justice and Development Party, as the dean of their university by a presidential decision, stressing that it is an undemocratic practice.

 Reuters reported that the demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Let the police go out” and “Universities are for us” after Erdogan’s security forces suppressed them yesterday.

In a statement, the Istanbul governor’s office justified the arrest of 159 people by saying that they refused to end the demonstrations in front of the Bosphorus University “despite the warnings.” 

In turn, Istanbul Mayor Akram Imamoglu said in a tweet, “Channels of dialogue with young people should never be closed and it is the responsibility of all officials to open channels that have been closed so far.” 

He added, “Young people cannot be placed under arrest because someone wants to do so.  There must be equal opportunities, noting that he discussed the situation with the authorities  and requested the launch of a dialogue in this regard.

Erdogan’s regime has repeatedly appointed people close to it in important posts of the state to tighten its authoritarian grip on various government institutions.

K.Q.