Turkish Opposition Vows Nationwide Protests Until Mayor's Release or Early Elections**

The Turkish opposition is mobilizing extensive protests across the country, led by the Republican People's Party, demanding the liberation of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, currently incarcerated. Party leaders assert that they won't relent until their demands are met, highlighting potential ramifications for future presidential elections.**

The head of Turkey's leading opposition party has declared an unwavering commitment to ongoing protests until either the early calling of presidential elections or the release of Istanbul's imprisoned mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. Ozgur Ozel, chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), emphasized that demonstrations will occur in "every city," with a significant rally scheduled this Saturday in Istanbul, marking the launch of Imamoglu's campaign for the anticipated 2028 presidential elections.

Ozel asserted that citizens' faith in Imamoglu and democratic values will drive the protests to unprecedented levels. Massive crowds, reportedly the largest in over a decade, have surged onto streets in the wake of Imamoglu's recent arrest. However, this outpouring of dissent has also seen a concerning rise in arrests, with over 1,400 detained, including seven journalists covering the burgeoning protests.

As tensions escalate, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the demonstrations, labeling them "street terrorism". He rebuked opposition claims, predicting the protests will lose momentum. Ozel, returning from a visit to the high-security Silivri Prison where Imamoglu is held, reported the mayor remains in solitary confinement but is not being mistreated. Ozel characterized the corruption charges against Imamoglu as mere fabrications aimed at derailing his political ascent.

Imamoglu vehemently denies all allegations, claiming his imprisonment is a political maneuver. Opinion polls indicate that, if free, he holds significant potential as a future president; however, the opposition contends his incarceration is designed to thwart that possibility.

Ozel recently expressed disappointment at the lack of support from UK leadership, claiming the CHP feels isolated by major European figures, specifically targeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for silence regarding their plight. Starmer's office, however, has acknowledged the Turkish legal process while urging respect for the rule of law.

Should Imamoglu remain behind bars, Ozel hinted that other CHP members could mount a presidential campaign with substantial public backing, signaling an ongoing struggle for the party amidst political upheaval.