cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/27217406

Summary

Thousands of Turks have taken to the streets to protest the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan’s main political rival.

President Erdogan warned against “vandalism,” saying “we will not accept the disruption of public order.” Police used water cannons and pepper spray against demonstrators in multiple cities.

The opposition CHP party called the detention politically motivated and plans to announce Imamoglu as its presidential candidate on Sunday.

Financial markets tumbled amid the unrest, forcing central bank intervention.