Mass protests have erupted across Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opposition leader and potential presidential candidate.
While protesters allege that his detention is politically motivated, the government denies these claims, calling the demonstrations an attempt to disrupt public order.
Who is Ekrem Imamoglu?
Ekrem Imamoglu, 54, is a member of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and has served as Istanbul’s mayor since 2019. His victories in both the 2019 and 2024 municipal elections dealt a major blow to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), which had controlled Istanbul for 25 years ago. Imamoglu has been seen as a major political challenger to Erdogan and was widely expected to be the CHP’s candidate for the 2028 presidential elections
People flash mobile phone lights during a protest against the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as part of a corruption investigation, in Istanbul, Turkey. (Reuters)
Mass protests have erupted across Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opposition leader and potential presidential candidate.
While protesters allege that his detention is politically motivated, the government denies these claims, calling the demonstrations an attempt to disrupt public order.