Turkey Sees Largest Protests in a Decade Over Istanbul Mayor's Arrest

Ekrem Imamoglu, accused of corruption and terrorism, remains in custody as demonstrations spread to over 55 provinces, challenging Erdogan's government.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested on March 19 on charges of corruption and alleged ties to the banned PKK, which he denies as politically motivated.
Mass protests have erupted across Turkey, with hundreds of thousands participating in the largest demonstrations since the 2013 Gezi Park movement.
Authorities have banned protests in major cities, arrested over 340 people, and used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
The unrest has caused significant economic disruption, including a 16.5% drop in the Istanbul Stock Exchange, the sharpest decline since 2008.
Opposition leaders have called the arrest a 'judicial coup' and vowed to continue protests, highlighting broader dissatisfaction with Erdogan's governance.