Mass Protests Erupt in Turkey After Imamoglu's Arrest

Turkey is experiencing its most significant unrest in over a decade following the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, who is seen as a major challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the upcoming presidential election. Massive protests erupted across at least 55 provinces after Imamoglu was charged with corruption-related offenses, which his supporters claim are politically motivated efforts to eliminate his candidacy. Demonstrators have gathered outside Istanbul's City Hall for five consecutive nights, expressing widespread discontent with the government's actions and calling attention to broader issues regarding democracy and governance in Turkey. Imamoglu's wife and opposition leaders have rallied the crowds, asserting that the public's reaction highlights a collective outrage against perceived injustices. While the government claims the judiciary is independent, many citizens view the arrest as a clear attempt to suppress dissent and maintain Erdogan's grip on power. As protests continue, the opposition party has also conducted a primary election, allowing a significant turnout in support of Imamoglu, further emphasizing the political stakes involved.