Mass Protests Erupt in Turkey Over Istanbul Mayor's Arrest

Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition leader, remains in custody as protests spread nationwide and tensions escalate between demonstrators and authorities.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested on charges of corruption and alleged ties to terrorism, which he and opposition leaders denounce as politically motivated.
Nationwide protests have entered their fourth day, with over 340 demonstrators arrested and violent clashes reported in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
The Turkish government has implemented demonstration bans and restricted social media access, labeling the protests as 'street terror.'
Imamoglu, a prominent rival to President Erdogan, was expected to be nominated as the opposition's 2028 presidential candidate before his arrest.
International criticism has mounted, with European leaders condemning the arrest as a blow to democracy in Turkey.