Riots Erupt in Turkey After Istanbul Mayor’s Arrest
İmamoğlu’s Arrest and Its Aftermath
Mass riots and clashes with police erupted across Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, widely regarded as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s main opposition rival for the 2027 elections.
İmamoğlu was detained on corruption charges and alleged irregularities in his university degree, which authorities claimed had been annulled. This could bar him from running in future elections.
Immediately after the arrest, spontaneous protests broke out across major cities, especially in Istanbul and Ankara. Demonstrators accuse Erdoğan of politically eliminating his opponents and demand İmamoğlu’s release.
Economic Fallout: Lira and Stock Market Collapse
The Turkish lira plunged to a historic low, and stock market indexes dropped sharply, raising concerns among investors and financial markets.
Government Crackdown on Protests
Riot police have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters. Security measures have been tightened, and social media access has been restricted in major cities.
Opposition parties have condemned İmamoğlu’s arrest, calling it a blow to Turkish democracy. Protesters demand his immediate release and fair elections.
International Response
The EU and the US have voiced concerns over the political crackdown in Turkey. European diplomats warn that the arrest of a major opposition leader could undermine Turkey’s democratic process.
Possible Escalation
Experts suggest that these protests could escalate into a larger political crisis, deepening economic instability. The Turkish government has not yet made any statements regarding a possible release of İmamoğlu, but tensions remain high across the country.
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