Overview

• Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul's mayor and opposition leader, was arrested on March 19 on charges of corruption and alleged terrorism links, which he denies as politically motivated.
• Hundreds of thousands participated in a massive rally in Istanbul's Maltepe district on March 29, with the CHP announcing regular nationwide protests to maintain momentum.
• Nearly 1,900 people, including students and journalists, have been detained since the protests began, with reports of police brutality and restricted media coverage.
• Imamoglu's arrest has drawn international criticism and intensified fears of Turkey's transition toward authoritarianism under Erdogan's administration.
• The CHP has formally nominated Imamoglu as its 2028 presidential candidate, framing the protests as a fight for democracy, justice, and the rule of law in Turkey.