Turkey detains 343 amid protests over Istanbul mayor's arrest
What's the story
Turkey's Interior Ministry said 343 people had been detained during overnight protests across the country. The demonstrations were triggered by the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. They took place in over a dozen cities including Istanbul and Ankara, the ministry said. Detentions were reportedly intended to maintain "public order" and avoid possible "chaos and provocation."
Public response
Imamoglu's arrest triggers widespread protests
Since Wednesday, tens of thousands of Turks have taken part in mostly peaceful demonstrations after Imamoglu's detention on charges including graft and aiding a terrorist group. As President Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, Imamoglu has been leading Erdogan in some opinion polls. His detention has triggered widespread public outrage and protests across the country.
Political response
Opposition party condemns arrest as politically motivated
Republican People's Party (CHP), the main opposition party, has denounced Imamoglu's detention as politically motivated. The CHP has called on its supporters to protest peacefully and lawfully in response to the incident. University students marched with the slogan: "We are not scared, we won't be silenced, we will not obey." Last year, CHP surprised the world by winning all of the largest Turkish cities, including Istanbul and Ankara, in municipal elections.