Tens of thousands of people gathered outside the Istanbul City Hall on Saturday to protest the arrest of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was detained over charges of corruption and aiding a terrorist group.
Imamoglu, along with dozens of senior municipal officials, was apprehended on Wednesday as part of an investigation initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, encompassing wide-ranging charges.
He is considered Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's biggest rival.
Massive demonstrations commenced in Istanbul on Wednesday following the detention of Mayor Imamoglu.
People have taken to the streets in what's being described as the biggest civil disobedience movement in Türkiye in over a decade. Many believe the charges against Imamoglu are politically motivated, while the government insists the judiciary is independent.
Protests have spread to at least a dozen cities, including the capital Ankara and Izmir.
On Friday night, tensions escalated when students clashed with police, and officers used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse the crowds.
"We are not terrorists, we are the people, we are trying to stand up for our own will. We are fighting for our rights and justice for our people. We oppose all the decisions that have been made," said a protester.
"We are here for justice. There is no rule of law. We cannot accept what is being done to Ekrem Imamoglu. He was chosen by the people," said a woman.
According to the Interior Ministry, 343 people have been detained during overnight protests. Officials warned they would not tolerate what they called "chaos and provocation." Turkish President Erdogan has condemned the demonstrations, calling them "vandalism".
Sunday is anticipated to be a pivotal day, as the main opposition -- the Republican People's Party (CHP) -- holds its primary election, where Imamoglu is expected to be confirmed as their presidential candidate, being the sole name on the ballot. However, demonstrators said that the root of the protests goes beyond party politics
"We didn't come here just to defend the CHP. This is no longer just about the CHP -- they are trying to control the will of the people. That's why we're here, to defend democracy," said a protester.
Authorities are also expected to determine whether Imamoglu will be released, formally arrested, or if his detention will be extended.
Huge crowds gather outside city hall over arrest of Istanbul mayor
