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The Consequences of Ekrem İmamoğlu's Arrest: Public Outrage and Market Turmoil
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Angry public reactions indicate that the Turkish opposition still maintains a strong popular base capable of challenging government policies
The Republican People's Party (CHP), Turkey's main opposition party, has called for more protests in Istanbul on Thursday, condemning the continued detention of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was arrested on Wednesday on charges of "corruption and terrorism." This move has sparked widespread controversy in political and economic circles.
İmamoğlu is one of the prominent figures opposing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and is viewed as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
The CHP leader is set to participate in a mass rally in front of the Istanbul Municipality building this evening, while university students are preparing to organize protests across the city.
Meanwhile, Turkish authorities have imposed strict restrictions on gatherings until Sunday and limited access to social media platforms, drawing widespread criticism.
According to media reports, Turkish financial markets saw a significant decline following İmamoğlu's arrest, amid fears that the move against him could be politically motivated, aimed at sidelining him from the presidential race.
This escalation comes just days before the CHP is set to officially nominate İmamoğlu for the elections. At the same time, authorities have taken other steps that could hinder his candidacy, including the annulment of his university degree by Istanbul University, which could affect his legal eligibility to run under Turkey's constitution.
Despite the cold weather, thousands of protesters gathered on Wednesday evening in front of the Istanbul Municipality building, waving Turkish flags, in a scene reflecting the growing public anger over what opposition figures consider a political targeting of opposition leaders.
