Turkey is experiencing unrest as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues his efforts to eliminate political opposition, with Ekrem Imamoglu remaining imprisoned on corruption charges. Thousands have taken to the streets of Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities for yet another day of protests. The opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has thrown its presidential endorsement behind Imamoglu. Despite the arrest, voter turnout was so high that voting was extended by two hours, with over 15 million rushing to vote in the internal party process. Hours before, it was announced that Imamoglu was being held pending trial for corruption. From Silivri prison, Imamoglu referenced the high voter participation, stating, “These ballots will stand, and the nation will give this government an unforgettable slap.” Hundreds of thousands took to the streets after the politician’s arrest, defying government bans, leading to hundreds of arrests and clashes. Imamoglu sent a message from Silivri prison highlighting record voter participation, emphasizing the public’s frustration with Erdogan’s rule, economic mismanagement, authoritarianism, and lawlessness. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel addressed the large protest gatherings outside Istanbul City Hall, noting over 14.85 million citizens nationwide participated in support of Imamoglu. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior removed him from his position as mayor of Istanbul. Germany’s Foreign Office described the arrest and detention of Imamoglu as a setback for democracy in Turkey, calling for a fair trial respecting the rule of law. France also condemned the imprisonment of Imamoglu and others, stressing the importance of democratic principles and human rights.