Arrest and Charges
, 's mayor and a prominent rival to President , was arrested on corruption charges, leading to widespread protests across . The charges include exploiting his position for financial gain and aiding a proscribed terrorist group.
The crackdown on Imamoglu has extended to other opposition figures, with several district mayors detained. Critics view the arrest as an attempt to eliminate a key challenger to Erdogan ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
Protests and Government Response
Demonstrations erupted in Istanbul, , and , with thousands gathering in support of Imamoglu. The government imposed a four-day ban on public gatherings, leading to clashes between protesters and police in several cities.
Erdogan and government officials criticized the protests, labeling them as attempts to disrupt public order. Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including CHP's Ozgur Ozel, called for peaceful demonstrations, emphasizing the right to protest against what they see as political repression.