"Flames of Rage – How Turkey Is Sinking in the Smoke of Repression"
"Flames of Rage – How Turkey Is Sinking in the Smoke of Repression"
The recent events in Turkey are worrying and highlight the increasing erosion of democratic structures in the country. The arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul and a prominent opposition politician, on charges of corruption and supporting terrorism, has sparked nationwide protests. Thousands of citizens take to the streets to demonstrate against these measures, which are considered politically motivated.
The government under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is reacting to these protests with increasing severity. Reports of the use of tear gas, water cannons and batons against demonstrators are alarming. In addition, numerous journalists and opposition members were arrested, which increases concerns about the restriction of freedom of the press and freedom of expression.
Critics accuse Erdoğan of instrumentalizing the judiciary to eliminate political opponents and consolidate his power. İmamoğlu's detention is seen as an attempt to eliminate a potential challenger for the 2028 presidential elections. These developments point to a worrying transition from an authoritarian democracy to an open autocracy,
and the international community has so far been reluctant to criticize it, partly due to Turkey's geostrategic importance. Nevertheless, it is essential that democratic values and human rights are universally defended, regardless of geopolitical interests.
Overall, the current situation in Turkey shows an alarming trend towards authoritarian structures and a weakening of democratic institutions. It is crucial that both Turkish civil society and the international community remain vigilant and work to uphold democracy and the rule of law.
>>>Cover image<<<
The picture shows a highly tense scene: A long line of Turkish riot police with helmets, shields and equipment stands in front of historic stone arches – presumably in Istanbul. The situation has clearly escalated: smoke, fireworks or Molotov-like effects on the ground, scattered bottles and garbage. The scenery is bathed in menacing red and orange – a symbol of escalation and violence.
>>>Cover image<<<
The picture shows a highly tense scene: A long line of Turkish riot police with helmets, shields and equipment stands in front of historic stone arches – presumably in Istanbul. The situation has clearly escalated: smoke, fireworks or Molotov-like effects on the ground, scattered bottles and garbage. The scenery is bathed in menacing red and orange – a symbol of escalation and violence.
What may be going wrong here:
- Excessive police violence: The massive presence and harshness of the police at civil protests shows that the state does not want to de-escalate, but to control – by force.
- Repression instead of dialogue: Instead of responding to legitimate criticism, the regime criminalises protests – which leads to more anger and radicalisation.
- Fear politics: The images create a climate of fear – both among protesters and among media representatives. Those who demonstrate risk physical violence or arrest.
- Instrumentalization of the judiciary: The escalation is politically desired to distract from growing discontent and to silence possible challengers like İmamoğlu.
Our opinion (beyond the mainstream):
Under Erdoğan, Turkey is increasingly developing into a controlled autocracy with a democratic façade. Protest is systematically suppressed. The "deep state", which has been operating behind the scenes for decades, seems to be more active than ever. Western governments are largely silent – out of geopolitical calculation. If you really want freedom, you also have to criticize inconvenient allies.
Under Erdoğan, Turkey is increasingly developing into a controlled autocracy with a democratic façade. Protest is systematically suppressed. The "deep state", which has been operating behind the scenes for decades, seems to be more active than ever. Western governments are largely silent – out of geopolitical calculation. If you really want freedom, you also have to criticize inconvenient allies.
(What is your opinion on this, write a message as a letter to the editor and we will then publish it (anonymously if desired!)
Slowly but surely, it is time for each of us to deal with the current global development. The dramatic images from Turkey – burning streets, martially equipped police, protesters fighting for their rights – are not an isolated event. We are also observing worrying trends in Europe: In Germany, Austria, Italy and France, political forces are forming that want to undermine our freedom, diversity of opinion and democratic basic order step by step. It is no longer just about party-political trench warfare, but about defending the open society. The path must never lead to violence or radicalization. But isn't it high time that all democratic forces – regardless of their colour – sit down at one table? Open, honest, solution-oriented. And above all, without the exclusion of those who think, ask or question critically. Democracy thrives on discourse, not on exclusion.
Statement:
I "wish all my Turkish friends" health, strength and success in this difficult time. May freedom, peace and justice soon be felt everywhere in your beautiful country again.
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References:
- The Guardian, 26.03.2025 – Protests in Turkey: Criticism of Erdoğan's authoritarian course.
- WELT.de, 27.03.2025 – Turkish opposition expands protests, police reaction escalates.
- Reuters, 27.03.2025 - Almost 1,900 arrests, international criticism rejected by Ankara.
- Cover Image: Photographer: Khalil Hamra/AP
Disclaimer:
This article does not reflect the personal opinion of the author, or should motivate readers politically. It serves exclusively as an objective presentation of the current social discussion and developments on this topic.
This article does not reflect the personal opinion of the author, or should motivate readers politically. It serves exclusively as an objective presentation of the current social discussion and developments on this topic.
