Turkey’s opposition leader slams Erdogan’s “Republic of Fear” amid global condemnation

ANKARA — Turkish opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu has accused President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of turning Turkey into a “Republic of Fear” by dismantling democratic institutions and silencing dissent. His comments come as Britain and France criticize the Turkish government following İmamoğlu’s recent detention. In a statement following his brief arrest by Turkish authorities, İmamoğlu condemned Erdoğan’s government for eroding democratic safeguards, controlling the judiciary, manipulating elections, and replacing elected mayors with government-appointed bureaucrats. 

“For years, Erdoğan’s regime has systematically dismantled checks and balances, silenced the media, sidelined the legislature, and rigged the judiciary,” İmamoğlu wrote in an op-ed for The New York Times. “The widespread arrest of protesters and journalists sends a chilling message: no one in Turkey is safe.” 

İmamoğlu’s detention last week sparked nationwide protests and drew strong reactions from international allies. 

International response and rising tensions 

Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to democracy, press freedom, and the right to peaceful protest worldwide. The statement also advised British citizens in Turkey to avoid large crowds and demonstrations for their safety. 

French President Emmanuel Macron weighed in, emphasizing that Europe needs a Turkey that upholds its democratic commitments and plays a responsible role in regional security. 

Meanwhile, Turkey’s judiciary has intensified its crackdown on dissent. The Ankara Prosecutor’s Office announced the detention of Swedish journalist Kaj Joakim Medin, who was covering protests in response to İmamoğlu’s arrest. Medin is being held pending trial on terrorism-related charges. 

İmamoğlu’s detention and the broader crackdown on opposition figures reflect Erdoğan’s tightening grip ahead of Turkey’s upcoming elections. Critics warn that these measures are designed to suppress political rivals and stifle public dissent. 

As protests continue and international pressure mounts, Turkey faces growing scrutiny over its human rights record and commitment to democratic norms.