Massive Protests in Turkey Call for Release of Jailed Istanbul Mayor

Ekrem Imamoglu’s detention on corruption charges has united opposition groups, spurred nationwide demonstrations, and intensified calls for early elections.

Hundreds of thousands gathered in Istanbul on March 29 for a CHP-led rally demanding the release of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was jailed on corruption charges widely seen as politically motivated.
The opposition CHP has declared Imamoglu its 2028 presidential candidate and is leveraging the protests to push for early elections, citing a loss of government legitimacy.
Nearly 1,900 people, including journalists and minors, have been detained since protests began, with ongoing concerns about judicial independence and media crackdowns.
The protests, the largest since 2013, have expanded beyond Istanbul, drawing diverse opposition groups and increasing international criticism of Turkey's democratic backsliding.
Economic instability has intensified, with the Turkish lira plunging and financial markets shaken, while President Erdogan dismisses the protests as provocations.