Turkish Court Jails Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Corruption Charges

A Turkish court has ordered the jailing of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu pending trial on corruption charges, following his arrest earlier in the week. This move has sparked massive protests across Turkey, raising concerns over the state of democracy and the rule of law. Imamoglu, a prominent opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is accused of leading a criminal organization and has denied all charges, which many see as politically motivated to eliminate him from the upcoming 2028 presidential race. His party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), is continuing efforts to support his candidacy, including setting up 'solidarity boxes' nationwide for non-party members to express support. Additionally, a recent university decision has nullified his diploma, further complicating his ability to run for president. The government insists that the legal actions against Imamoglu are not politically driven and that the courts operate independently.