Istanbul

İmamoğlu’s arrest and imprisonment have been widely viewed as politically motivated despite Turkey’s government insisting the judiciary is independent and free from political influence.

Katarina Barley, Vice President of the European Parliament, was among the delegation that visited the jailed politician in Istanbul’s Silivri prison.

The mass demonstrations broke out last week following the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a member of the opposition CHP and seen as a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

İmamoğlu’s arrest has been widely viewed as politically motivated and sparked demonstrations in cities across the country, some of which have turned violent.

There is currently no obstacle for İmamoğlu, who was announced as the CHP’s presidential candidate, to be elected despite his arrest.

Protests erupted on Wednesday after Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested following a dawn raid of his residence as authorities investigated allegations of corruption and terrorism.

Prosecutors accuse İmamoğlu of exploiting his position for financial gain, including the improper allocation of government contracts.

Authorities closed off roads and implemented a four-day demonstration ban in an effort to prevent protests following Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest.

The government’s move to detain Ekrem İmamoğlu comes 24 hours after his university diploma was revoked.

People around the world joined forces to march against patriarchal societies, the gender gap and violence against women in rallies in cities across the world.