Turkish Journalist Detained Amid Protests for Mayor's Jailing

A Turkish court has detained AFP photojournalist Yasin Akgul amid ongoing protests against the jailing of Istanbul's mayor. Akgul is facing charges related to attending illegal protests, though he claims he was covering them as a journalist. The protests have led to widespread detentions across Turkey.

A Turkish court has detained Agence France-Presse photojournalist Yasin Akgul amid an investigation into protests over Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's imprisonment, according to Turkey's Journalists Union. The ruling document, seen by Reuters, indicates that Akgul is held on charges of participating in illegal meetings and marches, despite his defense of merely covering the events.

Akgul, one of seven journalists detained, and his attorneys argued for his release, emphasizing his role as a journalist. AFP chairman Fabrice Fries has called for Akgul's immediate release, asserting that Akgul was not involved in the protests but was documenting them.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that since the protests began, 1,418 individuals involved in the nationwide demonstrations have been detained, with 478 expected to appear before judicial authorities. Protesters, rejecting President Tayyip Erdogan's dismissal of their efforts, are bracing for a prolonged confrontation.

(With inputs from agencies.)