Turkey has been entangled in protests caused by the recent detention of Istanbul's popular mayor, Ekrem Imamoğlu. He is a member of the opposition Republican People's Party(CHP), and his arrest is seen as a political maneuver by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The protests erupted as a response to his arrest, quickly spreading across major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Thousands have flooded the streets, calling for Imamoğlu's release and condemning what they view as an authoritarian crackdown on political opposition. Demonstrations claim that the government is undermining democratic principles by silencing its rivals and cracking down on free speech.
Despite strict government bans on public gatherings, may have continued to protest, enduring harsh police tactics such as tear gas and rubber bullets. Some demonstrations are also demanding wider reforms to Turkey's judiciary, which they believe is increasingly, manipulated by Erdoğan's administration to suppress dissent.
The political backdrop of these protests is critical. As the situation unfolds, the battle over Imamoğlu's detention has become a symbol of broader concerns about democratic erosion, judicial independence, and the suppression of free speech in the country. Regardless of the outcome, the protests have highlighted the increasing calls for enhanced political freedoms and a more impartial judicial system in Turkey.