On March 27, 2025, police used pepper spray, plastic pellets, and water cannons to disperse students protesting at the Middle East Technical University (METU). The police reportedly detained 20 students.

That evening, students gathered near the university gates to peacefully protest the government’s arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul and the Republican People’s Party’s candidate for the 2028 presidential elections. The students showed films and sang songs as part of a boycott; some students also erected tents.

Later that night, police entered the university. They began removing the tents and deployed pepper spray, water cannons, and plastic pellets in an attempt to disperse the students. A standoff ensued during which the students hid behind a barricade of dumpsters; police charged at them and began making arrests.

This is the third incident in one week during which police forcibly dispersed students protesting at METU (see report and see report). The protest was connected to nationwide demonstrations that began on March 19 following the arrest of İmamoğlu on factually baseless charges of corruption. University students have played a large role in the protests. As of April 18, more than 2,000 individuals had been arrested, with 189 people, most of whom are university students, facing a range of charges including attending an unauthorized demonstration and not obeying police orders to disperse; carrying weapons or covering their faces to conceal their identity; and incitement to commit a crime.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the arrests of peaceful student protesters by police. While state authorities have an obligation to take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of students and university personnel and should endeavor to prevent disruptions that inappropriately inhibit the functioning of or access to higher education, they must do so consistent with their responsibility to ensure academic freedom and free expression on campus. The punishment of nonviolent student expression undermines academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
https://apnews.com/article/turkey-recep-tayyip-erdogan-ekrem-imamoglu-istanbul-protests-362e0b6f4a80f3b1f4051ae0147c9e46
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/03/turkiye-unlawful-and-indiscriminate-attacks-on-peaceful-protesters-must-end-and-protest-bans-must-be-lifted-immediately/
https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/cq6ye161j74o
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250327-turkish-court-frees-afp-journalist-as-police-break-up-campus-protest
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-847895