Ekrem İmamoğlu

The arrest of Istanbul’s elected mayor just days before he was expected to declare his candidacy against Erdogan has raised concerns about democracy and political interference in Turkey.

For the third consecutive day, protesters have gathered outside Istanbul’s City Hall, responding to a call from the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). The leader of Turkey’s main opposition party, Ozgur Ozel announced that 300,000 people assembled in Istanbul on Friday night to support Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was arrested on Wednesday on charges of “corruption” […]

Thousands continue to defy bans and protest across Turkey over the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, a move the opposition says is aimed at silencing political rivals.

Through an audio message played over loudspeakers, İmamoğlu challenged Erdoğan directly, saying: “I challenge you.”

The arrest of Istanbul’s mayor has sparked outrage beyond Turkey’s borders, with international observers expressing concerns over the country’s democratic backsliding.

Will the detention of opposition figures impact Turkey's relations with the EU and Greece? Turkey expert Dr. Ioannis N Grigoriadis answers key questions in an exclusive interview with To Vima International edition.

Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was arrested on Wednesday morning as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and links to terrorism, according to media reports.