Turkish Opposition Leader Faces Arrest as Protests Spread Nationwide

Prosecutors have requested formal charges against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, while widespread demonstrations challenge his detention and government policies.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and potential 2028 presidential candidate, remains in custody as a court decision on formal charges is pending.
Prosecutors have requested Imamoglu's formal arrest on allegations of corruption and aiding the Kurdish militant group PKK, charges he denies as politically motivated.
Nationwide protests, the largest in over a decade, have erupted across more than 55 provinces, with demonstrators decrying his detention and calling for democratic reforms.
Security forces have clashed with protesters, using tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets; over 340 individuals have been detained for alleged public order violations.
The opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) plans to proceed with a primary vote on Sunday to nominate Imamoglu as their presidential candidate, despite the escalating unrest.