Thousands Protest Istanbul Mayor's Arrest, Hundreds Detained Across Turkey

Thousands of people gathered in Istanbul to protest the jailing and removal of Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a leading figure of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), marking 100 days since his arrest in a politically charged graft investigation. The protest was held at Istanbul City Hall, with CHP leader Özgür Özel addressing the crowd and directly challenging President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, declaring that İmamoğlu will become president. The rally followed mass arrests of over 120 people linked to opposition strongholds, including Izmir City Hall, as part of a broader crackdown on Erdoğan's political opponents. İmamoğlu's detention has sparked widespread protests across Turkey, with hundreds of thousands previously rallying against what critics see as government manipulation of the judiciary. Despite these challenges, İmamoğlu remains the CHP's presidential candidate for the 2028 elections, and the party continues to face legal and political pressure. The opposition accuses Erdoğan of authoritarian tactics, while Erdoğan asserts the judiciary's independence amid these ongoing tensions.