**Turkey's Opposition Vows Ongoing Protests Until Jailed Mayor is Released**

**The head of Turkey's main opposition party has promised a nationwide movement to continue until the incarceration of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, is resolved.**

Turkey's political landscape is increasingly tense as the leader of the primary opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), has declared that protests will persist “in every city” until either early presidential elections are held or Istanbul's jailed mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, is granted his freedom. Ozgur Ozel spoke to the BBC, affirming that the CHP will stage a significant demonstration in Istanbul this Saturday, marking the onset of their campaign to elect Imamoglu as the presidential candidate for the 2028 elections.

Ozel emphasized the growing public support for Imamoglu and democracy, which has resulted in some of the largest demonstrations Turkey has experienced in over a decade following the mayor's detention just a week prior. Despite the mass mobilization, security forces have retaliated with harsh measures, using tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters and arresting over 1,400 individuals, including several journalists.

Imamoglu’s imprisonment stems from a corruption case that his supporters deem unfounded. He faces serious allegations, including bribery and extortion, yet maintains that his situation is a politically motivated attempt to undermine his potential bid for the presidency. "Erdogan has thrown a three-time election winner in jail," Ozel remarked, underscoring the political ramifications of the mayor's plight.

Conversely, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has rebuffed the protests, accusing them of being acts of “street terrorism,” while claiming that security forces and public order are threatened by demonstrators. Despite Erdogan's confidence in the stability of his government, Ozel argues that the international response and local sentiment will be pivotal in determining Imamoglu's future and the CHP’s chances in the upcoming elections.

Addressing the lack of response from international figures, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ozel expressed disappointment, believing that support from established democracies could be crucial in this ongoing struggle. Nevertheless, if Imamoglu remains incarcerated, the CHP has pledged to raise alternative candidates who, according to Ozel, could still secure a significant majority in any future elections.