Turkish Protests Erupt Following Detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu

In a significant escalation of political tensions in Turkey, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was detained on March 19, 2025, facing charges of corruption and alleged ties to terrorism. İmamoğlu, a prominent opposition figure and potential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has denied these accusations, labeling them as baseless slanders. ​ The arrest has ignited widespread protests across the nation, with citizens rallying in major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Demonstrations have been marked by clashes with law enforcement, leading to the detention of hundreds of protesters. Despite government-imposed bans on public gatherings and restrictions on social media, the public outcry continues to grow, reflecting deep concerns over the state of democracy and freedom in Turkey. ​ International observers and human rights organizations have expressed alarm over İmamoğlu’s detention, viewing it as a politically motivated move aim