Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu Arrested Amid Nationwide Protests

The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges has sparked widespread protests and raised alarms about Turkey's democratic integrity, with critics labeling it a politically motivated move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to eliminate a significant rival ahead of the 2028 elections. Imamoglu's detention, described as a 'political gesture,' followed years of legal challenges against him, stemming from his initial victory in the 2019 municipal elections. His imprisonment has been met with the largest demonstrations in over a decade, reminiscent of the Gezi protests, as supporters rally against what they perceive as increasing authoritarianism under Erdogan's rule. Analysts suggest that the convergence of international geopolitical factors has emboldened Erdogan to act without fear of severe repercussions. Opposition parties, particularly the Republican People's Party, continue to support Imamoglu, with primary elections underway to endorse him as their presidential candidate despite his legal troubles. The situation reflects concerns over Turkey's declining democracy and the increasing control of the political landscape by Erdogan, drawing comparisons to Iran's authoritarian practices.