Prosecutors Seek Arrest of Istanbul Mayor, Protests Erupt Nationwide

Turkish prosecutors have formally requested the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on charges of corruption and links to terrorism, prompting widespread protests across the nation. Imamoglu, a leading opposition figure and potential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was detained amid allegations of aiding a terrorist group and graft, which he vehemently denies, labeling the charges as 'unimaginable accusations and slanders.' The request for his detention comes as thousands took to the streets, leading to clashes with police who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. The Republican People's Party (CHP), to which Imamoglu belongs, condemned the detention as politically motivated and called for lawful demonstrations. The Turkish government has maintained that the judiciary is independent and dismissed accusations of political interference. Imamoglu's potential candidacy for the presidency in 2028 is seen as a threat to Erdogan, who has ruled Turkey for over two decades.