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.

• 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.

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