site.btaBulgarian Citizens Advised to Avoid Crowded Areas in Istanbul Amid Movement Restrictions

Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry has advised Bulgarian citizens to avoid crowded areas in Istanbul due to newly imposed movement restrictions. The warning was issued on Wednesday by the Ministry’s Situation Centre.

According to the advisory, Turkish authorities have introduced restrictions on certain roads, public transport stops, and metro stations in Istanbul starting March 19. All mass gatherings and protests are banned for the next four days, until Sunday, March 23. The measures aim to maintain public order as part of an ongoing investigation by the Turkish Prosecutor’s Office and security services.

The Ministry urges Bulgarian citizens traveling to Istanbul during this period to follow local authorities’ instructions and avoid crowded areas.

Earlier today, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoglu and other high-ranking members of Turkiye's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) were detained, Turkish media reported. The detainees also include the mayors of two Istanbul districts, Resul Emrah Sahan of Sisli and Mehmet Murat Calik of Beylikduzu, and Imamoglu's press advisor Murat Ongun.

Istanbul’s Chief Prosecutor’s Office has charged İmamoglu and over 100 others with corruption, bribery, and alleged links to terrorist organizations.