Police Disperse CHP Protest Against Proposed Bridge Privatization; Three Detained

Turkish police intervened in a protest organized by the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) against plans to privatize Istanbul’s Bosphorus bridges. Authorities had banned a planned march from Ortaköy to Arnavutköy. After police blocked access to the area, CHP Istanbul Chair Özgür Çelik relocated the press statement to Arnavutköy, where he accused the government of attempting to “sell national assets.” Three people were detained during the demonstration.

March Banned, Heavy Police Presence

The protest was organized by the Istanbul branch of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in response to reports that the government is considering privatizing the 15 July Martyrs Bridge and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge over the Bosphorus.

The Istanbul governor’s office banned the planned march from Ortaköy to Arnavutköy ahead of its scheduled 5:00 p.m. start. Streets around Ortaköy were sealed off with police barricades, and riot police units, along with water cannon vehicles (TOMAs), were deployed to the area.

Despite the ban, party members and supporters gathered at the site, where police surrounded the crowd.

“Who Are You Selling These Bridges To?”

CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Ozgur Celik delivered a statement under heavy police presence.

He criticized the government’s reported privatization plans, saying the bridges had been financed through taxpayers’ money and questioning the rationale behind selling them.

“These bridges were built with the taxes of our fathers and grandfathers,” Çelik said. “Who are you selling them to?”

He argued that the government was attempting to grant 25-year operating rights to private companies, which could finance 80% of the acquisition through foreign loans. He claimed that any legal disputes would fall under British courts, potentially exposing Türkiye to additional financial risks.

Tensions During Attempted March

After Çelik’s speech, CHP members attempted to begin the march but were blocked by police, who reiterated that no demonstration would be permitted.

Negotiations between CHP officials and police reportedly failed. Authorities then began clearing the area through designated exit points.

At one stage, police blocked Çelik and a small group as they walked along the sidewalk toward a vehicle. Çelik protested the move, stating they were not violating any laws.

Protest Relocated to Arnavutköy

Following the standoff, Çelik announced via social media that the group would move to Arnavutköy to continue their statement.

“We are moving to Beşiktaş Arnavutköy. We will hold our press statement. The bridges belong to the people and cannot be sold,” he wrote.

In Arnavutköy, he reiterated his opposition to privatization, accusing the government of attempting to sell public assets for short-term political gain.

“They want to sell half of what belongs to the people to save today,” Çelik said. “We will not allow this.”

Political Context

The issue gained prominence after CHP leader Ozgur Ozel raised the matter at a recent rally and in parliament. According to CHP officials, an AK Party representative in Istanbul’s municipal council acknowledged that privatization was under consideration as part of party policy.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has not publicly confirmed specific terms of any bridge privatization plan.

CHP officials claim the bridges currently generate approximately $112 million annually and contribute an estimated $15 billion to the economy over a 25-year period when combined with related highway revenues.

Three Detentions Reported

During the protest, three individuals were detained, according to CHP sources. Authorities have not released detailed information regarding the detentions.

The demonstration adds to growing political tensions ahead of future elections, with opposition parties accusing the government of monetizing strategic public assets, while government officials have framed privatization efforts in other sectors as part of broader economic restructuring.