Turkey Jails Mayor Imamoglu Amid Widespread Protests

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has been formally arrested and jailed pending trial on corruption charges, a move widely perceived as an attempt by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to eliminate a key political rival ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. His detention has sparked significant protests across Turkey, with hundreds of thousands rallying against what they view as a politically motivated crackdown. Despite the government's claims of judicial independence, the arrest has raised serious concerns about democracy and the rule of law in the country. Imamoglu, who denies all charges, has called the accusations slanderous and has urged his supporters to remain hopeful. In response to the unrest, authorities have imposed bans on public gatherings and used force to disperse demonstrators. The situation has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and international bodies, including the Council of Europe, which has called for Imamoglu's immediate release.