Tensions in Turkey have reached a boiling point as the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) calls for mass protests in Istanbul, marking 100 days since the controversial arrest of the city’s popular mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu. In a shocking crackdown, authorities have detained at least 120 individuals, including opposition members and a former mayor in İzmir, just hours before the rally commenced. The Turkish government claims these arrests are part of a corruption investigation, but many view them as a politically motivated attack aimed at silencing dissent.

At the heart of the protest is İmamoğlu, President Erdoğan’s main rival, who was removed from office amid allegations he vehemently denies. As crowds gather outside Istanbul’s city hall, a heavy police presence looms, with officers equipped with shields and rubber bullets, ready for any escalation. Scuffles have already erupted, showcasing the mounting anger among citizens who feel the government is tightening its grip on power and stifling opposition voices.

Witnesses report a palpable sense of frustration among the protesters, who fear Turkey is sliding towards authoritarianism. Young supporters of the CHP express their desire for change, decrying the government’s failure to address the nation’s economic crisis and their increasing restrictions on personal freedoms. They see İmamoğlu as a beacon of hope for a different Turkey, one that could challenge Erdoğan’s long-standing rule.

As the rally unfolds, the atmosphere is charged with urgency and defiance. The opposition’s resolve is clear: they will not back down in the face of what they perceive as an unjust legal assault. With the nation watching closely, the outcome of this protest could have profound implications for Turkey’s political landscape. Stay tuned as this story develops.