Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was detained on Sunday, March 23, 2025, pending trial on corruption charges. This development has ignited widespread protests across Turkey, marking the largest demonstrations in over a decade.
Imamoglu, who has denied the allegations, was elected as the opposition's presidential candidate by over 15 million voters, underscoring his significant support base. His arrest has been criticized by opposition parties and European leaders as a politically motivated move aimed at undermining democratic processes. The Turkish government, however, maintains that the judiciary operates independently and that the charges are legitimate.
The detainment has also led to economic repercussions, with Turkish assets experiencing a sharp selloff, reflecting market concerns over the country's political stability. Despite an extended ban on street gatherings, protests have continued nationwide, with the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) calling for early elections in response to what they describe as a coup attempt against democracy.
In a related development, Turkish authorities have detained nine journalists covering the protests against Imamoglu's arrest, raising further concerns about press freedom in the country.