Turkish Opposition Calls for Early Elections, Demands Release of Jailed Istanbul Mayor

The arrest of Istanbul’s opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, on March 19 has ignited the largest anti-government protests Turkey has seen in over a decade, posing a major challenge to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

On Sunday, Turkey’s opposition intensified its efforts to sustain the momentum of the protest movement, demanding early elections and the immediate release of Imamoglu. The unrest deepened as authorities escalated their crackdown, with a Swedish reporter being among the latest detainees.

Imamoglu, a prominent figure in the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), was arrested on corruption charges—allegations his supporters dismiss as politically motivated. His detention has triggered widespread anger, fueling nightly street protests for over a week.

In response to the growing outrage, the CHP mobilized hundreds of thousands of protesters on Saturday for a massive rally in Istanbul, demanding Imamoglu’s release. The demonstration marked one of the largest displays of opposition to Erdogan’s government in recent years, underscoring rising public dissatisfaction and the demand for political change.

With tensions escalating, Turkey faces a critical moment as opposition forces push back against what they see as increasing authoritarianism. The coming weeks will determine whether this movement gains further traction or faces intensified government suppression.