Chaos has engulfed Istanbul and other major cities in Turkey following the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, leading to massive protests. The situation in Istanbul and other large Turkish cities is tense after the detention of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and ongoing protest gatherings for the third consecutive day. On Friday evening (21.03.2025), according to opposition reports, 300,000 people took to the streets to demonstrate their opposition to recent events. In Istanbul, police used plastic bullets, as reported by AFP. In Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, law enforcement used high-pressure water to disperse crowds, as local TV channels reported. Clashes were also noted in Ankara, according to ERT. Both Imamoglu and other detainees are expected to appear before a prosecutor and judge this evening (22.03.2025). According to the General Prosecutor’s Office of Istanbul, ‘Imamoglu and suspects detained during investigations into the criminal organization aimed at profit and support of the terrorist organization PKK/KCK will be transferred to our courthouse around 21:00 (20:00 Greek time).’ Consequently, a decision on his pre-trial detention may then be made. Despite these allegations, Imamoglu denied any corruption charges attributed to him after a 5.5-hour deposition, as per Reuters. ‘I categorically reject all claims,’ he stated while defending himself, adding that he committed no crime. He further accused the investigation of attempting to charge him with crimes he did not commit, denouncing political interference and declaring it a war waged against him. Arrested on Wednesday (19.03.2025) as a suspect for corruption and terrorism, Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and potential rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in upcoming presidential elections, was questioned on at least 40 issues related to municipal tenders. Ozgur Ozel, leader of the Republican People’s Party, called for protests today at the courthouse where Ekrem Imamoglu is expected to be transferred.