Thousands protest against arrest of Istanbul mayor

Following the arrest of Istanbul's mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, thousands of citizens protested despite a four-day ban on demonstrations. Authorities closed off key roads and restricted social media to deter dissent. Protesters condemned the arrest as a violation of democracy. İmamoğlu, an opposition leader and rival to President Erdoğan, faces serious allegations, including corruption. Critics argue the crackdown on opposition figures is an attempt to suppress dissent, with CHP president Özgür Özel accusing the government of a politically motivated attack against İmamoğlu.

Authorities have implemented a four-day demonstration ban in Istanbul to prevent protests against the arrest of popular mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, sparking public outrage.

Despite a crackdown involving road closures and social media restrictions, thousands protested, labeling İmamoğlu's arrest as a sham of democracy.

Protesters gathered outside key locations in Istanbul, with one expressing that the arrest was unlawful and indicative of a political attack on democracy.

CHP leader Özgür Özel accused the government of targeting İmamoğlu for his electoral potential, calling the actions part of a politically motivated crackdown.

Read at euronews