Protests erupted across Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival of President Erdogan. Demonstrations began on March 19, 2023, and have escalated into the worst unrest in over a decade, with protesters facing police violence. Imamoglu was arrested on corruption charges, which he denies, and has been suspended from his mayoral position. The CHP party claims the arrest is a coup against their presidential candidate. Protests have spread nationwide, with students leading the charge against perceived autocracy and economic issues. Erdogan condemned the protests, asserting that the judiciary is independent and denying political motivations behind Imamoglu's arrest. Teljes cikk (bbc.com europe)