Imamoglu Arrest Sparks Massive Protests Across Turkey

The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent rival of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has sparked massive protests across Turkey, described as the largest in a decade. Imamoglu, a key figure from the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), was charged with corruption and other offenses, which he denies, labeling the accusations as politically motivated. His detention has prompted widespread unrest as demonstrators are met with police force, further intensifying tensions in the deeply polarized political landscape. Imamoglu has been a significant challenger to Erdogan's rule, having defeated his party in the Istanbul mayoral race and was seen as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential elections. This crackdown on opposition figures is viewed by critics as an attempt by the government to weaken electoral prospects for opponents. Amidst the turmoil, Imamoglu remains defiant, vowing to fight the charges while the Istanbul City Council moves to appoint his replacement.