March 23, 2025 – Protests have broken out across Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and vocal critic of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Imamoglu was detained on charges of corruption and alleged ties to terrorist organizations, accusations he denies.

Nationwide Demonstrations

Thousands of people took to the streets in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, demanding Imamoglu’s release and denouncing what they see as a politically motivated move to suppress opposition ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.

Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets, leading to violent clashes. The Interior Ministry reported that 343 protesters have been detained so far.

Political Fallout

The Republican People’s Party (CHP), to which Imamoglu belongs, condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on democracy. Despite the government’s ban on public gatherings, the CHP urged supporters to continue peaceful demonstrations.

What’s Next?

With tensions rising, more protests are expected in the coming days. The situation remains volatile as opposition leaders call for justice while the government warns of stricter crackdowns.

Stay tuned for updates.