Students protest against the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu at Macka Park, in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. Photo: Reuters
Students protest against the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu at Macka Park, in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. Photo: Reuters
Andrew Wilks
Today at 03:30
The head of Turkey’s main opposition party visited imprisoned Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu yesterday after six nights of massive protests calling for his release.
Mr Imamoglu, arrested on March 19 on corruption charges, is seen as the main challenger to president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 22-year rule. His arrest has been widely viewed as politically motivated and sparked demonstrations, some turning violent, across the country. The government insists Turkey’s judiciary is independent and free of political influence.