Arrest of Istanbul Mayor Triggers Nationwide Protests and Government Crackdown in Turkey

Ekrem Imamoglu's detention and disqualification from the presidential race have intensified tensions, as opposition leaders call for demonstrations despite bans and police force.

Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul's mayor and a leading opposition figure, was arrested on charges of corruption and alleged support for terrorism, following the annulment of his university degree.
Protests erupted in at least 32 provinces across Turkey, with demonstrators clashing with police in Istanbul and Ankara, leading to injuries and arrests.
The Turkish government declared the protests illegal, banned gatherings in major cities, and imposed temporary social media restrictions, which were lifted late Thursday night.
Opposition leader Özgür Özel has called for continued nationwide protests, urging citizens to take to the streets in defiance of government bans.
President Erdogan criticized the opposition's actions, accusing them of political theatrics, while concerns grow over democratic freedoms and the upcoming presidential election.