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Tensions continue to rise in Turkiye as thousands of people took to the streets of Istanbul on Monday to protest the arrest of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure and outspoken critic of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Police used pepper spray to disperse a large gathering near Istanbul City Hall, marking the fifth consecutive night of protests since Imamoglu’s arrest, according to AFP.

Imamoglu Arrested on Corruption Charges

The protests erupted after a court formally jailed Imamoglu on Sunday, pending trial on corruption allegations. The arrest followed a raid on his residence earlier this week, which has sparked the biggest wave of street unrest in Turkiye in over a decade.

Critics say the move is politically motivated, aimed at disqualifying Imamoglu from the 2028 presidential race, where he is seen as a strong challenger to President Erdogan.

Opposition and Public React Strongly

The opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), which backs Imamoglu, has stood firmly behind him. Despite the arrest, the CHP is holding primary elections to endorse Imamoglu as its official presidential candidate.

In a show of public solidarity, the party has set up symbolic "solidarity boxes" across the country, allowing even non-members to express support.

Democracy and Rule of Law Under Scrutiny

Imamoglu's imprisonment has raised serious concerns about democracy and judicial independence in Turkiye. Government officials have denied political motives, insisting that the country's courts act independently.

Before this arrest, Imamoglu had already faced multiple legal cases, including a 2022 conviction for insulting the Supreme Electoral Council, which he was appealing.


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