Turkey Erupts in Protests Following Arrest of Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu

The detention of opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu has intensified nationwide demonstrations, economic instability, and international criticism of Erdoğan's government.

Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul's mayor and a leading opposition figure, was arrested on March 19 on charges of corruption and alleged ties to terrorism, which his supporters claim are politically motivated.
Nationwide protests continue for a third day, with demonstrators defying bans in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, leading to police crackdowns involving tear gas and water cannons.
The CHP remains committed to nominating İmamoğlu as its 2028 presidential candidate, despite his detention and the revocation of his university degree, a requirement for candidacy.
The Turkish lira has plummeted to a record low, and financial markets remain volatile, reflecting growing economic uncertainty following the arrest.
International actors, including the EU and Germany, have condemned the arrest, calling it a threat to democracy, while Erdoğan's government dismisses the criticism and labels the protests as illegal.