A Turkish court has ordered the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on charges of corruption and terrorism links, pending trial. The decision has ignited mass protests across Turkey, with demonstrators rallying in Istanbul, Ankara, and other cities.
Political Rivalry and Legal Action
Imamoglu, a key political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was arrested along with four of his aides following an investigation by Turkish prosecutors. His detention comes amid growing political tensions ahead of Turkey’s upcoming elections.
The case has fueled accusations that Erdogan’s government is targeting opposition figures to silence political dissent.
Nationwide Protests Erupt
Since his arrest, tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in major cities across Turkey. Demonstrations, largely peaceful, have been ongoing since Thursday, marking some of the largest anti-government protests in a decade.
“This is not just about Imamoglu—it’s about democracy in Turkey,” said one protester in Istanbul.
What’s Next?
Imamoglu remains in custody as his trial date is yet to be determined. His legal team has vowed to fight the charges, calling them politically motivated.
