Turkey Faces Unrest After Istanbul Mayor's Arrest Days Before Presidential Nomination

Ekrem Imamoglu's detention on corruption and terror charges has ignited protests, raised concerns over democracy, and shaken Turkey's financial markets.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure and key rival to President Erdogan, was arrested on charges of corruption and aiding the PKK days before his expected nomination as the CHP's presidential candidate.
Nationwide protests have erupted, with demonstrators clashing with police and defying bans on gatherings; over 50 individuals have been detained for social media posts and protest activities.
The Turkish government denies political motivations, asserting judicial independence, but critics and opposition leaders have labeled the arrest a politically driven effort to block Imamoglu's candidacy.
The arrest has destabilized Turkey's financial markets, with the lira hitting record lows and investor confidence shaken by the political turmoil.
European leaders have condemned the arrest, warning it could harm Turkey's democratic institutions and relations with the European Union.