Protests across Turkey have entered their fourth straight night following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, in what has become the largest wave of demonstrations in the country in over a decade.

Imamoglu, a prominent rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was detained on Wednesday, just days before he was expected to be officially nominated as the Republican People’s Party (CHP) candidate for the 2028 presidential election. He faces charges of terrorism and corruption, accusations he has vigorously denied, calling them politically motivated.

In response to the growing unrest, Erdogan accused the CHP of trying to “disturb the peace and polarize the nation,” and his government quickly imposed a ban on public gatherings in major cities.

Despite the crackdown, thousands have flooded the streets in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and other cities, defying the bans and chanting “rights, law, justice” in solidarity with Imamoglu and in defense of democratic freedoms.

Clashes between protesters and police have escalated, with riot units deploying tear gas, water cannons, and pepper spray in attempts to break up demonstrations.

On Friday alone, at least 343 people were arrested nationwide, according to human rights observers.

Protesters say they fear for the future of Turkey’s democracy, with many viewing Imamoglu’s arrest as a blatant attempt by Erdogan to eliminate a key electoral threat ahead of 2028.

“I’m here for justice. I’m here for liberty,” one protester told the BBC. Another mother attending with her young son added, “It’s getting harder to live in Turkey day by day… There is no real justice here.”

In a further blow to Imamoglu, Istanbul University has revoked his academic degree, citing alleged irregularities.

If upheld, the decision could bar him from seeking the presidency, as Turkey’s constitution requires all presidential candidates to hold a higher education degree.

Critics view the move as part of a broader campaign to sideline opposition figures and tighten authoritarian control ahead of the next election.

With tensions high and protests growing, Turkey faces a deepening political crisis—one that may shape the future of its democratic institutions for years to come.