Protests Intensify in Turkey Over Jailed Istanbul Mayor as Crackdown Escalates

The arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu's lawyer and mass detentions deepen concerns about democratic backsliding under President Erdogan's government.

Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul's mayor and a leading opposition figure, remains jailed on corruption charges widely seen as politically motivated.
The Turkish government has arrested over 1,900 protesters, journalists, and opposition figures, including Imamoglu's lawyer, fueling fears of judicial repression.
Protests led by young people and students continue across major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, despite bans, police crackdowns, and mass arrests.
Dilek Imamoglu, the mayor's wife, has emerged as a prominent voice in the resistance, with supporters calling for her to take on a larger political role.
International criticism of Erdogan's government grows, with rights groups and foreign leaders warning of threats to Turkey's democratic institutions.