Turkiye said it rejected “prejudiced” international statements over the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and the nationwide protests triggered by it, as authorities detained nearly 1,900 people taking part in the demonstrations.
The government denies any influence over the judiciary and says the courts are independent.
Speaking to international media representatives in Istanbul, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said Ankara had asked its European partners to act with “common sense”, adding the gravity of the allegations against Imamoglu required his arrest.
“We don’t want the arrest of any politician, but if there is evidence of a violation, then it can happen,” Tunc said through a translator.
“If we look at the gravity of the allegations, and as there is risk that evidence can be concealed, the judiciary has made a reasonable decision,” he added.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said 1,879 people had been detained since the protests erupted last Wednesday, adding that courts jailed 260 of them pending trial.
He added that 489 were released and 662 others were still being processed, while 150 police officers were injured.
The CHP has called on Turks to continue protesting, saying it would organise rallies and gatherings at different locations in Istanbul and elsewhere. Erdogan has dismissed the protests as a “show” and warned of legal consequences for protesters.
