Uzbekistan’s Consulate in Istanbul urges citizens to steer clear of protests and online provocations amid unrest

The General Consulate of Uzbekistan in Istanbul has issued a call for vigilance amid ongoing mass protests and gatherings across the country.

According to Turkish law enforcement, 261 individuals have been identified for posting “provocative content” on social media, with 37 of them placed under arrest. “In light of this, we urge you to exercise extreme caution when sharing any messages or comments on social platforms,” the consulate stated.

To ensure their safety, citizens are advised to:

- Avoid all protest actions, rallies, and mass gatherings;
- Refrain from visiting crowded areas and plan travel routes in advance;
- Exercise caution on social media, avoiding the posting or sharing of provocative content;
- Rely solely on official sources of information and stay updated on developments;
- Contact the General Consulate (+90 553 541 17 17) in emergencies.

“Your safety is our priority! Please remain highly cautious and follow the instructions of law enforcement authorities,” the consulate emphasized.

On March 19, Turkish police arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a member of the opposition Republican People’s Party. Alongside him, his press secretary and approximately 100 city administration employees were detained.

Following İmamoğlu’s arrest, protests erupted across Turkey. Despite a four-day ban on demonstrations imposed by the Istanbul provincial governor and heightened security measures, mass demonstrations have persisted. European nations have already condemned the arrest of the Istanbul mayor.