Istanbul police detained 41 individuals early Tuesday morning for insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his family, violating the ban on public gatherings, and disobeying law enforcement orders.

The action followed a meticulous investigation by the Istanbul Prosecutor General's Office, which compiled a list of 41 suspects involved in the protests held in the Sarachane district last night. These protests, organized in defiance of bans on demonstrations in Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara, have been widely criticized for their disruptive nature and disrespect toward the nation's elected leader and its core values.

Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz expressed strong support for the measures taken by security forces. "I condemn those who use obscene language against our president, his late mother, and his family. Such insolent and unpleasant language only suits those who do not believe in the common values of our nation, democracy, and the rule of law," Yilmaz stated. Fahrettin Altun, head of the Turkish Presidency's Communications Directorate, similarly denounced the insulting remarks, labeling the offenders as "immoral and ignorant."

The government has consistently maintained that these strict measures are necessary to preserve the integrity of Turkish institutions and to protect public order. The protests, now in their sixth consecutive night, were sparked by the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and certain members of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). Since March 19, authorities have detained over 1,100 individuals, including journalists, while more than 100 police officers have been injured during efforts to enforce the law.

Officials emphasize that these actions are part of a broader commitment to maintain peace, respect for the rule of law, and the democratic values that underpin the Republic of Türkiye. As the nation navigates its challenges, government leaders remain steadfast in their resolve to defend national dignity and ensure the safety of all citizens. (ILKHA)