Protests erupt across Turkey after Erdogan rival arrested
Protests have erupted in cities across Turkey after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's political rival Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested.
Clashes broke out between police and protesters in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir on Thursday.
Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters attending the banned gatherings.
Protest rallies were also held on Wednesday.
Turkish officials have banned the rallies and more than a hundred people have been arrested.
Istanbul's Mayor Imamoglu was detained on Wednesday. His detention followed a dawn raid on his home amid allegations of corruption, bribery and terror links.
In addition, scores of politicians, businesspeople and municipal officials linked to the mayor have been arrested.
Also, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said dozens more had been arrested for sharing what he described as “provocative” online posts.
The mayor's arrest is viewed as a politically motivated attempt to eliminate Erdogan's key rival in Turkey's upcoming presidential election.
Imamoglu, who hails from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), said shortly before his arrest that “the will of the people cannot be silenced.“
He said he would "stand resolute" for the people of Turkey "and all who uphold democracy and justice worldwide."
CHP claimed the arrest of Imamoglu, alongside 105 others who supported him, was “a coup against our next president.”
The ruling Justice and Development Party, abbreviated officially as AK Party, denied the allegation of a coup and insisted Turkey's judiciary system is independent.
In the meantime, the next presidential election in Turkey is due in 2028. Erdogan has been in power for 22 years.
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