Erdogan condemns nationwide protests as 'evil' amid unrest over Imamoglu's arrest

Protests in Turkey have erupted following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges, which many view as a politically motivated act by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to eliminate a major electoral rival ahead of the 2028 presidential election. The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel advisory warning against visiting Turkey due to the potential for escalating violence amid ongoing demonstrations. Erdogan has labeled the protests as 'evil' and accused opposition parties of inciting unrest, while opposition leaders maintain that the demonstrations represent a fight for democracy. Despite the government's crackdown resulting in over 1,100 arrests, protests have continued for six days, with supporters gathering to demand Imamoglu's release and an end to what they perceive as authoritarian governance. The situation remains tense, with strong police presence and ongoing calls from opposition leaders for continued defiance against the government. Imamoglu's case has become a focal point for broader discontent with Erdogan's regime and its handling of dissent.