Turkish police detained 97 students at the “Bogazici“ University in Istanbul during a protest against a conference with the participation of Islamic preachers, the “Reuters“ agency reports, News.bg reports.
The protest was directed against the appearance of Nuredin Yildiz - a preacher known for controversial statements in support of early marriages. The event was organized by a student club at the university, but provoked a sharp reaction among some students.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul confirmed that 97 people were detained after they tried to break through a police barricade on campus. He said 13 police officers were injured in the clashes after falling into a five-meter construction pit.
Bogazici University is among the symbols of academic resistance in Turkey. In recent years, students and faculty from the institution have often organized protests against government interference in university governance and the educational process.
Tensions have further intensified after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a major political opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Students from Bogazici are actively participating in the protests, which reflect broader dissatisfaction in the country with authoritarian tendencies in government.