Thousands protested in Istanbul following the arrest of mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key opposition figure against President Erdoğan. Despite a demonstration ban, crowds gathered at significant locations, denouncing the arrest as unlawful. İmamoğlu faces corruption allegations amid a broader crackdown on dissent. CHP leader Özgür Özel criticized the government's actions as politically motivated, while Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc defended the judiciary's independence. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed concern over the situation, urging Turkey to uphold democratic values.