As per reports, the governor of Istanbul has extended and tightened the ban on public events in the city following ongoing protests against the detention of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu until Wednesday (26 March).
• The extended ban will remain in effect until Wednesday (26 March) and applies to rallies, media statements, marches, sit-ins, and leaflet distribution.
• Authorities have also imposed restrictions on entry into the city for individuals or groups suspected of attempting to engage in ‘illegal activities,’ according to the regional government’s official statement. The current restrictions were initially set to expire tomorrow but have now been prolonged.
• Despite the ban, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Istanbul on Friday (21 March), particularly in front of the city hall and the courthouse where Imamoglu was being questioned. The large turnout indicates significant public dissent and a potential for further unrest.