Overview

• Protests erupted nationwide after Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Erdogan, was arrested on corruption charges widely seen as politically motivated.
• Authorities have arrested nearly 1,900 protesters and several journalists, including BBC correspondent Mark Lowen, who was deported for his coverage.
• President Erdogan has denounced the demonstrations as 'street terrorism,' intensifying the crackdown with forceful measures such as water cannons and pepper spray.
• A protester in a Pikachu costume fleeing police in Antalya has become a viral symbol of the movement, highlighting both creativity and international focus on the unrest.
• Turkey’s declining press freedom, ranked 158th globally, has come under scrutiny as Erdogan faces accusations of consolidating power ahead of the 2028 elections.