Unrest continues in Turkey over the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, with the main opposition party calling for widespread demonstrations on Saturday to demand early elections. Since İmamoğlu’s arrest a week ago, large crowds have gathered nightly across Turkish cities to show their support for the detained mayor.
İmamoğlu, a presidential candidate from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), faces multiple charges including financial corruption and supporting terrorism. He has denied these allegations, describing his detention as a “political execution without trial.” Opposition members claim these actions are an attempt to eliminate Erdogan’s main political rival from Turkey’s political scene.
Police forces have confronted protesters with tear gas and water cannons, arresting approximately 1,400 people including students, journalists, and lawyers. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed concern regarding the arrests and widespread protests in Turkey, highlighting international attention on the deteriorating situation.
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