Turkey Detains Over 1,000 Amid Nationwide Protests Following Imamoglu's Arrest

Following the arrest of Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges, Turkey has witnessed its largest protests in over a decade, involving hundreds of thousands of demonstrators across major cities. The opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) organized a symbolic primary election, which saw approximately 15 million people participate, signaling strong public support for Imamoglu as a potential presidential candidate in 2028. Authorities have detained over 1,000 protesters, using water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds, while Erdogan's government has accused the CHP of inciting unrest. Many view Imamoglu's arrest as a politically motivated move to eliminate a key rival ahead of the next presidential race. Protesters have expressed their determination to resist what they perceive as an authoritarian crackdown on democracy. The situation has escalated tensions in Turkey, raising concerns about the state of civil liberties and political opposition in the country.