ISTANBUL: Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Istanbul over the weekend to protest the imprisonment of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the leader of Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP). This wave of demonstrations represents the most significant civil unrest in Turkey in over a decade, spurred by accusations that Imamoglu's arrest on corruption charges is a politically motivated effort by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government to neutralize a formidable electoral rival. According to Channel News Asia, the protests, which began after Imamoglu's detention on March 19, have led to nearly 2,000 detentions nationwide amidst a climate of repression.

The protests reached a boiling point during the rally at Maltepe on the Asian side of Istanbul, where crowds held placards calling for "Freedom for Imamoglu." A letter from the jailed mayor, expressing defiance and gratitude for public support, was read at the event. "I have no fear, you are behind me and by my side. The nation is united against the oppressor," Imamoglu wrote, inspiring demonstrators who chanted slogans demanding justice and accountability. His sentiments echoed throughout the crowded venue, as applause surged in response.

CHP leader Ozgur Ozel declared the protests would continue weekly, galvanizing supporters to rally against what he termed an attempt to intimidate the opposition. "The history of humanity shows that oppression inevitably results in resistance. Justice must prevail," Ozel emphasized, as reported by South China Morning Post.

The Turkish government has consistently maintained that the judiciary operates independently of political influence, dismissing claims of misconduct. Nevertheless, the rise in protests has prompted global concern, with critics asserting that the legal actions taken against Imamoglu aim to suppress democratic freedoms. "#Rights, law, justice!" waved protesters, underlining the stakes surrounding Imamoglu's case.

International attention has also been drawn to Turkey's treatment of journalists and critics during the unrest. Reports indicate that numerous reporters have been detained following their attempts to cover the protests, a situation that has alarmed human rights organizations and foreign governments, highlighting the curtailment of freedom of speech in Turkey.

As the unrest continues, the Turkish lira has faced fluctuations, reflecting ongoing economic instability amid the political turbulence. Observers now wonder whether this significant public outcry can effectively alter the current political landscape, with the CHP calling for early elections and the release of political prisoners.

For further details on the continuing tensions in Turkey, refer to the latest updates on Le Monde.