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Turkish opposition party leader visits jailed Istanbul mayor
University students sit next to anti riot police officers during a protest after Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested and sent to prison, in Istanbul, Turkey, March 24, 2025

THE leader of Turkey’s main opposition party visited jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu today after six nights of massive protests calling for his release.

Mr Imamoglu, arrested on March 19 on corruption charges, is seen as the main challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 22-year rule. 

His arrest is widely viewed as politically motivated and sparked demonstrations, some turning violent, across the country.

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