The head of Turkey's main opposition party visited jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu after mass protests for his release. İmamoğlu, arrested on corruption charges, is viewed as a key challenger to President Erdoğan. His arrest has sparked nationwide protests, some violent. The government claims judicial independence. Özgür Özel, leader of the CHP, met İmamoğlu in prison and criticized the government's actions. Protests by students and media crackdowns have intensified, with many journalists detained. Demonstrations across Turkey demand İmamoğlu's release and an end to democratic backsliding.