Turkish authorities arrested several journalists amid mass protests over the jailing of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Erdogan.

Imamoglu’s detention on corruption charges, widely seen as politically motivated, sparked Turkey’s largest protests in over a decade.

Police have detained over 1,100 people, clashing with demonstrators using tear gas and rubber bullets.

Critics accuse the government of suppressing press freedom and democracy, while Erdogan insists the arrests are about corruption, not politics, the Associated Press has reported.

Imamoglu remains in prison as opposition leaders call for continued protests, vowing to defend democratic rights in Turkey.

Written by B.C. Begley