Hundreds of thousands protested in Istanbul on Saturday against the arrest of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and 2028 presidential candidate.

The rally, organized by the CHP, marked Turkey’s largest demonstrations in over a decade, drawing a repressive government response.

Protests have spread nationwide, leading to mass arrests, with nearly 2,000 detained, including students, journalists, and Imamoglu’s lawyer.

Authorities have also cracked down on media, arresting 13 journalists and deporting foreign reporters, France 24 has reported.

The opposition vows to continue weekly protests, warning that democracy is at risk if the crackdown persists.

Written by B.C. Begley