Istanbul Mayor Denies Charges, Protests Continue Across Turkey

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has refuted terrorism and corruption allegations amid nationwide protests sparked by his detention. Detained days before a potential presidential nomination, Imamoglu, a key Erdogan challenger, dismissed the accusations in court. He was moved to judicial custody, underwent medical examination, and faced prosecutor questioning. A judge will decide his release or detention. President Erdogan accused the opposition of protecting corrupt individuals, while the Justice Minister emphasized judicial independence. Imamoglu’s detention ignited widespread protests in numerous provinces, despite bans and police presence. Security forces cracked down on demonstrators, leading to hundreds of arrests. Authorities also investigated social media activity, issuing warrants for “provocative” content. Imamoglu’s upcoming court decision is crucial in the escalating political crisis.