Protests have erupted across Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key opposition figure. Demonstrations, which began peacefully on March 19, have spread to major cities, including Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya.
Security forces have used tear gas, water cannons, and plastic bullets to disperse crowds, leading to injuries and mass detentions. Authorities report over 1,100 arrests since the protests began.
Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have condemned the use of excessive force and called for an investigation into police actions. Reports indicate that journalists covering the protests have been detained in dawn raids, while internet restrictions have limited access to social media platforms.
İmamoğlu, a prominent critic of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, faces charges related to corruption, which his supporters claim are politically motivated. The opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has labeled the arrest a “judicial coup” and urged nationwide demonstrations.
