Protests Surge in Turkey After Istanbul Mayor’s Arrest and Suspension

Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition leader, has been jailed on corruption charges, prompting mass demonstrations, international criticism, and economic turmoil.

Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul's mayor and a leading opposition figure, remains incarcerated in Silivri Prison after being charged with corruption and removed from office.
Mass protests have erupted across Turkey, with demonstrations reported in at least 55 provinces, marking the largest public mobilization since the 2013 Gezi Park protests.
Over 1,130 protesters and 10 journalists have been arrested as authorities intensify their crackdown on dissent, including bans on gatherings in major cities.
The opposition CHP party officially designated Imamoglu as its 2028 presidential candidate in a symbolic primary, despite legal and political obstacles to his candidacy.
International criticism has mounted, with France, Germany, and others condemning the arrest as a severe blow to democracy, while Turkey's economy struggles with market instability.