Tension in Turkey: Interim Mayor Takes the Helm in Istanbul

Istanbul's municipal council elected an interim mayor following the detention of Ekrem Imamoglu, an opposition figure facing trial on graft charges. His jailing sparked massive protests against President Erdogan's government, seen as an anti-democratic move. The opposition plans further actions to challenge government influence on the judiciary.

Istanbul's opposition-controlled municipal council has appointed an interim mayor after the city's leader, Ekrem Imamoglu, was detained on graft charges, according to broadcaster NTV. The detention has been condemned as politically motivated by Imamoglu and his supporters, escalating tensions nationwide.

In response to Imamoglu's arrest, anti-government protests have erupted, marking the largest demonstrations in Turkey in over a decade. President Erdogan's administration insists the judiciary is independent, dismissing the protests as mere spectacle.

The council elected Nuri Aslan, a Republican People's Party (CHP) member, to serve as interim mayor, ensuring the government could not appoint a trustee. The opposition continues its pressure on Erdogan, planning rallies and an extraordinary congress amid ongoing investigations.

(With inputs from agencies.)