Overview

• Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested on corruption and terror-related charges just days before his expected nomination as the opposition's 2028 presidential candidate.
• Protests have erupted across at least 32 provinces, with demonstrators defying government bans on gatherings and clashing with police in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
• The Turkish government has detained dozens of protesters and individuals accused of sharing 'provocative' online posts, while officials deny political motivations behind the arrest.
• The Turkish lira and stock market have suffered significant losses, reflecting growing investor concerns over political instability and the rule of law.
• International leaders, including those from the European Union, have criticized Imamoglu's detention as a threat to democracy and judicial independence in Turkey.