Mass Protests Continue Across Turkey Following Arrest of Istanbul Mayor

Ekrem Imamoglu's detention has triggered nationwide demonstrations, international criticism, and economic instability as opposition leaders rally behind him for the 2028 presidential race.

Protests over Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's arrest have entered their sixth day, with hundreds of thousands demonstrating across more than 55 provinces despite bans on public gatherings.
The Turkish government has detained over 1,100 people, including 10 journalists, with police employing tear gas, water cannons, and plastic bullets to disperse crowds.
International condemnation has intensified, with European leaders criticizing the arrest as a threat to democracy and questioning Turkey's adherence to democratic norms.
The opposition CHP has formally endorsed Imamoglu as its 2028 presidential candidate, even as his eligibility is challenged following the annulment of his diploma by Istanbul University.
Turkey's financial markets remain volatile, with the lira and stock market experiencing significant instability since Imamoglu's detention.