A nationwide crackdown in Turkey has led to the detention of over 1,000 individuals amidst large-scale anti-government protests triggered by Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's arrest on corruption charges. Demonstrators perceive Imamoglu's detention as a politically motivated act aimed at undermining his potential presidential candidacy against President Erdogan. The protests, marking the largest in over a decade, have seen clashes with security forces, who have resorted to using water cannons and pepper spray. The opposition CHP party continues to rally support for Imamoglu, showcasing wide public backing.
In a televised address Monday, Erdogan said 123 security personnel had been injured in attacks by vandals, for which he blamed the 'main opposition leader and his associates,' referring to Imamoglu's Republican People's Party, or CHP.
Protesters see his detention as a politically motivated attack to keep him from holding office.
CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel said more than 14 million people voted in the party's nomination process on Sunday at improvised 'solidarity ballot boxes' across the country to show symbolic support for Imamoglu.
Authorities have detained at least 1,133 people, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said in a post on X on Monday.
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