Protests Erupt Across Turkey Following Arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu

The arrest of the opposition leader on terrorism and corruption charges intensifies criticism of Erdogan's government and raises fears of democratic erosion.

• Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul's mayor and a key opposition figure, was arrested on March 19, 2025, days before his expected nomination as the CHP's presidential candidate.
• The Turkish government has imposed a four-day protest ban and restricted social media access, while fining media outlets reporting on the arrest.
• Nationwide protests, led by students and opposition supporters, demand President Erdogan's resignation, with calls for evening demonstrations continuing despite restrictions.
• International criticism mounts, with EU leaders like Ursula von der Leyen and Olaf Scholz condemning the arrest as a threat to Turkey's democratic institutions.
• The CHP plans to nominate Imamoglu for the presidency despite his detention, while concerns grow over his potential removal as Istanbul mayor and the broader implications for Turkish democracy.

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