Turkey's Political Turmoil: Street Protests Erupt Over Mayor's Imprisonment

The detention of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, sparked Turkey's largest protests in a decade, highlighting political tensions with President Erdogan's government. The opposition calls the charges against Imamoglu politically motivated, leading to widespread unrest, economic instability, and international concerns about democratic backsliding.

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan confronted nationwide protests on Monday, asserting that opposition-fueled demonstrations over the jailing of Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu have morphed into a 'movement of violence'. Imamoglu's arrest on corruption charges, which he denies, has ignited the most significant public unrest in Turkey for over a decade.

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), led by Ozgur Ozel, attributes the charges as politically motivated. Despite street protest bans, anti-government demonstrations have continued for six nights, with police and public properties suffering substantial damage. The CHP urges the continuation of protests, maintaining that the charges against Imamoglu lack credibility.

Amid heightened tensions, Erdogan criticized the CHP for inciting public discord while emphasizing steps to stabilize the economy. Protests have plunged Turkey into economic turmoil, leading to a steep decline in Turkish assets. Analysts predict ongoing political instability and scrutiny over Turkey's aspirations for EU membership.

(With inputs from agencies.)