ISTANBUL, March 19 (Reuters) - Protesters near Istanbul's main police headquarters on Wednesday said the detention of President Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival and the city's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was a blow to Turkish democracy.
Earlier on Wednesday, Turkish authorities detained Imamoglu, from main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), on charges including corruption and aiding a terrorist group, prompting the protests and outcry from opposition, government critics.
More than 100 people gathered near the police headquarters, where Imamoglu was taken after being detained, chanting support for the mayor and anti-government slogans.
"They are conducting a coup right now against Imamoglu, who beat Erdogan four times at the ballot box since 2019 with the will of the nation," said Bulent Gulten, a protester, referring to 2019 and 2024 nationwide municipal elections when Imamoglu's CHP defeated Erdogan by sweeping most major cities.
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Earlier on Wednesday, Turkish authorities detained Imamoglu, from main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), on charges including corruption and aiding a terrorist group, prompting the protests and outcry from opposition, government critics.
More than 100 people gathered near the police headquarters, where Imamoglu was taken after being detained, chanting support for the mayor and anti-government slogans.
"They are conducting a coup right now against Imamoglu, who beat Erdogan four times at the ballot box since 2019 with the will of the nation," said Bulent Gulten, a protester, referring to 2019 and 2024 nationwide municipal elections when Imamoglu's CHP defeated Erdogan by sweeping most major cities.
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