Protests Erupt in Turkey After Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu Detained

• Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu detained, sparking mass protests across Turkey.
• Authorities accuse him of corruption and aiding a terrorist group.
• Social media access restricted as police clash with demonstrators.

Mass protests have erupted across Turkey following the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, just days before he was expected to be named a presidential candidate.

Imamoglu, a prominent figure from the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), is widely regarded as a formidable challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkish prosecutors have accused him of corruption and alleged links to terrorism, labeling him a “criminal organization leader suspect.”

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As part of the sweeping investigation, authorities arrested 100 individuals, including politicians, journalists, and business leaders. In response, the Istanbul governor’s office imposed a four-day ban on public gatherings, demonstrations, and press briefings in the city.

Imamoglu remained defiant, stating online that “the will of the people cannot be silenced.” In a video filmed while police surrounded his residence, he pledged to stand firm for democracy and justice in Turkey and beyond.

His arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with protesters flooding the streets, universities, and metro stations of Istanbul. Crowds chanted anti-government slogans such as “Erdogan, dictator!” and “Imamoglu, you are not alone!” Thousands gathered in front of city hall, despite the government ban.

Clashes between protesters and security forces were reported, with footage showing police using pepper spray to disperse crowds outside Istanbul University. Imamoglu’s wife and other opposition leaders have urged citizens across the country to “raise their voices” in opposition.

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In a handwritten note shared on his X account, Imamoglu accused the government of spreading “lies, conspiracies, and traps” and said the Turkish people would not be silent.

Meanwhile, UK-based internet monitor NetBlocks reported that Turkish authorities had severely restricted access to social media platforms including X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok amid the unrest.

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