Mass Protests Erupt Across Turkey Over Imamoglu's Arrest

The formal arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges has ignited widespread protests across Turkey, with thousands taking to the streets to demonstrate against what many see as a politically motivated move by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The protests are reportedly the largest Turkey has seen in a decade, with police using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds in key locations like Istanbul. Imamoglu, who was expected to be nominated as the Republican People’s Party (CHP) presidential candidate for 2028, has been vocal on social media, asserting that the public has had enough of Erdoğan's rule. While Erdoğan faces term limits for the upcoming 2028 elections, Imamoglu's potential conviction could bar him from running. The protests have led to a significant number of arrests, with reports indicating that over 1,100 individuals have been detained since unrest began. International reactions have criticized the jailing as a serious attack on democracy, with both France and Germany expressing concern over the implications for Turkey's political landscape.