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Turkey's Largest Protests in Over a Decade Persist After Opposition Leader's Arrest

The detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has intensified political tensions, triggered widespread demonstrations, and drawn international scrutiny over Turkey's democratic trajectory.

University students sit next to anti riot police officers during a protest after Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested and sent to prison, in Istanbul, Turkey, Monday, March 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Huseyin Aldemir)
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People shout slogans next to anti riot police officers during a protest after Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested and sent to prison, in Istanbul, Turkey, Monday, March 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
Men help demonstrators as police officers use pepper spray during a protest against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as part of a corruption investigation, in Istanbul, Turkey, March 24, 2025. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Overview

  • Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul's opposition mayor and a key presidential contender, was arrested on corruption charges widely seen as politically motivated.
  • Nationwide protests, now in their seventh day, have led to over 1,400 detentions, including journalists, and reports of police violence against demonstrators.
  • President Erdogan has accused the opposition of inciting unrest and economic sabotage, while critics view the arrest as a move to suppress a major rival ahead of the 2028 elections.
  • The economic fallout has been severe, with the Turkish lira and stock market experiencing significant declines, prompting emergency stabilization measures.
  • International observers and rights organizations have condemned the crackdown, warning of democratic backsliding and urging the release of detained protesters and journalists.