Turkey releases over 120 protesters amid anti-government unrest

Turkey has released over 120 individuals detained during recent anti-government protests, primarily university students arrested on March 24 after demonstrations sparked by the jailing of opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Imamoglu, who was arrested on March 19 on corruption charges, is seen as a significant challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his imprisonment has ignited widespread protests across the country. In total, more than 2,000 people were detained during the protests, with about 300 remaining in custody. The released detainees were granted bail under various conditions, including regular police reporting. The releases were influenced by a campaign led by parents advocating for their children's freedom, many of whom participated in daily vigils. The defendants' cases are scheduled to be heard in the coming months at Istanbul's Caglayan Courthouse.