Protests continued in Istanbul over mayor's arrest
In recent days, Istanbul has become the epicenter of significant political unrest following the arrest of the city's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. Imamoglu, a prominent figure in the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), was detained on charges including corruption and alleged support for terrorism—allegations he firmly denies.
The arrest has sparked widespread protests across Istanbul and other Turkish cities. Hundreds of thousands of citizens have taken to the streets, expressing their dissent against what they perceive as politically motivated charges aimed at suppressing opposition to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's administration. Demonstrations have been marked by clashes between protesters and law enforcement, with police deploying rubber bullets, pepper spray, and water cannons to disperse crowds.
Despite official bans on public gatherings, the CHP has called for peaceful demonstrations, urging supporters to continue voicing their opposition to Imamoglu's detention. The party is reportedly preparing to nominate Imamoglu as its presidential candidate for the 2028 elections, signaling a steadfast commitment to his political future despite his current incarceration.
President Erdogan has issued stern warnings against the protests, stating that any actions disrupting public order will not be tolerated. He emphasized that while peaceful expression is a democratic right, vandalism and violence will be met with strict enforcement measures.
The unrest has also had significant economic repercussions. The Turkish lira has depreciated sharply, prompting the central bank to intervene by selling foreign exchange reserves and adjusting interest rates in an attempt to stabilize the currency.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is closely monitoring developments in Turkey, with concerns about the implications for the country's democratic processes and economic stability.
