[Today's Prayer] Anti-government protests intensify in Turkey… Over 1,000 arrested, journalists detained

Anti-government protests are spreading in Turkey against the detention of a leading opposition presidential candidate.

According to the Turkish Ministry of Interior on the 24th (local time), 1,133 people were arrested for illegal acts during the five days from the 19th to the 23rd when Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu (54), a member of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), was arrested by the police on terrorism and corruption charges.

The Ministry of Interior announced that 123 police officers were injured as protesters used firebombs, axes, knives, acid liquids, and rocks. The Ministry announced that many of those arrested were confirmed to be members of terrorist organizations, and that many had criminal records for drug trafficking, theft, fraud, and sexual violence.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya warned on X (formerly Twitter) that "the right to assembly and demonstration can be legally restricted for reasons such as national security, public order, crime prevention, and protection of public health and morals."

Ten journalists, including one who was covering the protests, were also detained by the authorities.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened a strong response to the protests, calling them "riots" incited by the opposition CHP.

In a video address after the cabinet meeting that day, Erdogan called on the CHP to "stop provoking citizens and harming peace," and "if you have the courage, answer the charges of corruption and bribery."

He said, “I am watching in amazement the events that have unfolded since the opposition leader’s call to take to the streets after the government’s corruption investigation turned into a violent movement,” and criticized the protesters as “terrorists on the streets.”

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The Turkish authorities have repeatedly stated that they will respond strongly to the protests spreading in major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara.

However, the CHP’s primary held the day before as scheduled attracted the largest number of participants ever, and Mayor İmamoğlu was elected as the presidential candidate from prison with 15 million votes, showing that the opposition is becoming more united.

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Meanwhile, as the anti-government protests triggered by Mayor İmamoğlu, who has recently emerged as the biggest political enemy of the Erdogan regime, intensify, the political fate of President Erdogan, who has shown strong leadership for over 10 years, is now at a crossroads.

President Erdogan, who came to power in 2014, gained high approval ratings by achieving economic growth in Turkey, but the recent financial crisis has made the early achievements of his regime pale in comparison.

He has also increased Turkey's diplomatic influence by actively mediating international issues such as the Middle East conflict, but he is also suspected of suppressing anti-government figures such as journalists, politicians, and activists.

In the midst of this, anti-government forces centered around Imamoglu, who was elected mayor of Istanbul in 2019, are also growing in strength.

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Source: Yonhap News

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand your ground in the evil day, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:12-13)

God who loves all nations, we hear that the anti-government protests in Turkey are intensifying and that over a thousand people have been arrested, including journalists. Please visit the people of Turkey, who are suffering from the president who oppresses the people with his power, and comfort them.

In the face of power, the government is oppressing them, but we proclaim that only our Jesus is the ruler of Turkey! Please rule over Turkey! Please lead Turkey to enjoy the freedom that comes from the rule of the Lord!

Turkey is now fighting for the things of the world, but may they know that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in heaven! May they become those who take up the gospel and join the fight for the kingdom of God

Lord, we want the gospel of life to be preached here. When they hear the gospel and realize the love of Jesus, may Turkey become a country that no longer protests and sacrifices for what is immediately in front of them, but fights for the gospel with its life!

We lift up the church of Turkey. May the churches that keep their faith even in difficult situations become those who comfort Turkey with the gospel during this time of confusion and proclaim that only Jesus is king! May the church of Turkey rise up to restore Turkey with the gospel and spread the gospel to the nations!

May the 1% of Christians in Turkey rise up with the gospel and become people who spread the gospel to all nations!!