Protesters Demand 'Rights and Justice' After Istanbul Mayor’s Arrest: What It Means for Turkey’s Future

The Arrest That Sparked a Nation’s Outrage For four consecutive nights, Turkey has witnessed massive protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu —a key opposition figure and a potential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the 2028 elections. The streets of Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir have become battlegrounds of resistance, as thousands defy government bans to demand justice, democracy, and political freedom . The arrest, which came just days before Imamoglu was set to be chosen as the Republican People's Party (CHP) presidential candidate , has led to widespread allegations that the Turkish government is using judicial power to suppress political opposition . Why Was Ekrem Imamoglu Arrested? Turkish authorities claim that Imamoglu was detained on terrorism and corruption charges , though many—including international observers—believe the move was politically motivated. Opposition leaders argue that this is an attempt to eliminate a strong ri...