Turkish police detain 159 people at protests over Erdogan-appointed university head

A woman scuffles with police officers as she waits in front of the Bogazici University in solidarity with students inside the campus who are protesting against the new rector and the arrest of two students, in Istanbul, Turkey February 1, 2021. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish police on Monday detained 159 people over protests in Istanbul against President Tayyip Erdogan's appointment of a new rector at one of the country's top universities, the Istanbul Governor's office said.

Students at the Bogazici University in Istanbul began their protests nearly a month ago, saying the appointment of Melih Bulu as rector was undemocratic. Teachers at Bogazici have also protested Bulu's swearing-in.