Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:04am on 24 Mar 2025,Monday International
Tens of thousands protested across Turkey after Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was jailed on corruption charges. Police fired tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets at demonstrators in Istanbul, where crowds gathered for the fifth night. Imamoglu called the charges “politically motivated” and vowed to fight back. His wife addressed protesters, condemning the “injustice.” Over 700 arrests have been made. Imamoglu’s suspension raises concerns over Turkey’s 2028 election, as his candidacy is uncertain. The opposition warns of a democratic crisis as Erdogan’s critics face growing crackdowns. (PC: Getty Images)