Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu Arrested Amid Nationwide Protests

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has been formally arrested and charged with corruption, igniting widespread protests across Turkey, the largest unrest seen in over a decade. His arrest, which is perceived as a politically motivated move to eliminate a key contender ahead of the 2028 presidential elections, has led to public outcry, with protests erupting in over 55 provinces. Riot police used rubber bullets and water cannons to disperse crowds, resulting in over 300 arrests. Imamoglu, from the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), is also facing allegations related to terrorism, which he has denounced as baseless. His party continues to support him, holding symbolic voting initiatives nationwide. The situation has raised significant concerns about democracy and the rule of law in Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's administration.