Overview

• Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul's mayor and a prominent presidential candidate, was arrested on March 23, 2025, alongside 106 others on charges of corruption and alleged ties to terrorism.
• The Turkish government imposed restrictions on internet access, public transportation, and live broadcasts during the arrest, signaling heightened state control.
• Opposition figures have criticized the charges as lacking credible evidence, describing them as politically motivated to undermine Imamoglu's candidacy.
• Nationwide protests have erupted in over 55 provinces, with citizens demonstrating to defend democratic principles and oppose government repression.
• On the same day, the CHP held a primary election with significant voter turnout, reaffirming its support for Imamoglu despite his detention.