ANKARA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan here on Monday blamed the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) for domestic protests against the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu that have escalated into what he called a "movement of violence."

"The only ones responsible for our injured police officers, vandalized shops, and damaged public property are the leader of the main opposition and his supporters," Erdogan told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

"Stop disrupting the peace of our citizens through provocations. If you have the courage, answer for your corruption, theft, and the bribes you have taken," he said.

Tens of thousands of Turks have taken to the streets since March 19 after Imamoglu was detained on charges of graft and aiding a terrorist group. Imamoglu, from the CHP, is considered Erdogan's main rival in the next presidential elections.

Earlier on Monday, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on social media platform X that 123 police officers have been injured during the protests, and that Turkish security forces have arrested 1,133 suspects.

Yerlikaya said the recent protests have gone beyond peaceful demonstrations, with certain groups abusing the right and attempting to exploit the situation to disrupt public order and attack law enforcement forces. Enditem

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