The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has ignited significant protests across Turkey, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets. Imamoglu, a noted political opponent of President Erdogan, faces corruption charges and his detention has included over 1,900 arrests since protests erupted. His situation recalls past governmental crackdowns on dissent, such as the violent response to the 2013 Gezi Park protests. Civil society figures, including artists and human rights activists, have historically faced persecution, exemplified by Osman Kavala's life imprisonment. Many young people are now becoming increasingly involved in the protests amid growing concerns for democracy.
President Erdogan wanted to get rid of his main rival by using the judiciary and the police. This is a serious blow to democracy.
The mayor is among tens of thousands of political prisoners in Turkey, and more than 1,900 people have been detained since the protests began.
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