Turkey Faces Intensifying Protests and Media Crackdown Following Mayor’s Arrest

Nearly 1,900 protesters have been detained as demonstrations escalate over the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, with international criticism mounting and Turkey’s economy under strain.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and potential challenger to President Erdogan, remains jailed on corruption charges widely seen as politically motivated.
Protests have expanded across Turkey, with over 1,879 people detained and reports of police using water cannons, rubber bullets, and pepper spray against demonstrators.
The Turkish government has imposed a 10-day broadcast ban on opposition TV channels and deported BBC journalist Mark Lowen, drawing international condemnation over press freedom violations.
The protests have deepened Turkey’s economic instability, with the lira falling and investor confidence declining as calls for boycotts of pro-government businesses grow.
A major opposition rally is planned for March 29, signaling continued unrest as opposition leaders call for early elections and denounce authoritarian measures.