Turkish police have arrested at least 1,100 individuals after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Erdogan’s main rival. The arrests follow Imamoglu’s overwhelming victory as the leading opposition candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
The arrests have elicited universal condemnation from foreign human rights organizations and opposition parties, who claim that the government is cracking down on dissent prior to the key vote. Protesters have gone onto the streets in various cities, calling for Imamoglu’s release and equal democratic practices.
Imamoglu’s rising popularity, particularly among young voters and city dwellers, has made him a strong contender for Erdogan’s two-decade hold on power. The development is likely to intensify political tension in the run-up to the 2028 elections.
