Turkey Arrests Dozens Amid Crackdown on Opposition, Protests Erupt

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was detained on corruption and terrorism-related charges, prompting widespread protests and criticism of President Erdoğan's government. The Turkish Interior Ministry announced the arrest of 37 individuals for sharing provocative social media posts in response to İmamoğlu's detention, which critics view as politically motivated. İmamoğlu was set to be the presidential candidate for the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in an upcoming primary. Despite a ban on demonstrations, protests erupted in Istanbul and Ankara, with thousands calling for the government's resignation. Authorities have identified 261 social media accounts linked to the unrest, and further detentions are ongoing. Concerns about the erosion of democracy in Turkey have intensified, with international figures, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, expressing alarm over the situation.