Protests have rocked Turkey for more than a week after the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and potential rival to President Erdogan. He was detained on corruption charges, which he and his supporters claim are politically motivated. Over 1,400 people have been detained since the unrest began, including students, journalists, and lawyers. Rights groups and the UN have condemned the mass arrests and police violence. Despite government bans, thousands have continued to gather in Istanbul, chanting against the government and demanding early elections. The Republican People's Party (CHP) is calling for transparent trials and the release of detained officials. President Erdogan has denied any political interference, warning protesters they are leading the country into chaos. Journalists covering the protests have also been arrested, prompting international concern. While Imamoglu remains eligible to run for president unless convicted, his arrest has escalated tensions in an already polarised political climate.