The interrogation of Constantinople mayor Ekrem Imamoglou continues for the second day today, this time for the charges attributed to relationships with terrorist organizations, while reactions to his arrest are taking on explosive dimensions.

Defying the ban on public concentrations, thousands of protesters They took to the streets in Constantinople, Ankara and many other Turkish cities for a third night Yesterday to protest the arrest of the popular opposition politician and key opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the next presidential race scheduled for 2028.

Constantinople Mayor Errem Imamoglou appeared before the Police today to testify for the allegations that the Kurdistan Labor Party (PKK) has helped, forming an electoral alliance with the pro -Kurdish People’s Equal Party and Democratic Equality.

Imamoglou, who is a popular opposition official and is considered the main political opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was arrested on Wednesday after a raid on his residence on charges of involvement in financial crimes and interconnections. Dozens of other prominent personalities, including two regional governors, were also arrested.

Many consider Imamoglou’s arrest as politically directed Attempt to remove a popular opposition politician and Erdogan’s main challenge.

However, government officials reject the accusations that legal actions against opposition persons have political incentives and insist that justice in Turkey is independent.

On Friday, Police interrogated Imamoglou for four hours Concerning the charges of corruption, with the Mayor of Constantinople denying all the charges, according to the newspaper Cumhuriyet and other media.

Imamoglou is expected to be transferred to the courthouse later on Saturday for questioning by prosecutors, where he will be judged and what charges he will face.

Meanwhile, yesterday night, police in Istanbul used pepper spray, tear gas and rubber bullets to repel hundreds of protesters who tried to break a barricade in front of the city’s historic aqueduct while flying flares, stones and other objects to police.

Police also dismantled groups that had gathered outside the Town Hall for the third consecutive night, following a speech by the leader of the opposition Republican People’s Party, Ozgur Ozel, in favor of the Mayor of Constantinople.

At the same time, police dismantled demonstrations in the capital Ankara as well as in Smyrna, resorting to brutal measures in some cases. Thousands also demonstrated in many other cities, calling on the government to resign.

A total of 343 people were arrested in demonstrations throughout the country, according to the Turkish interior ministry, while at least 16 police officers were injured.

Meanwhile, on Friday Erdogan stated that the government would not tolerate demonstrations And he accused the opposition party of corruption and terrorist organizations, while authorities in Ankara and Smyrna banned demonstrations for five days, following the decision earlier by Constantinople.

“An anti -corruption operation in Constantinople is used as an excuse to cause turmoil on our streets. I would like to understand that we will not allow a handful of opportunists to bring up turmoil in Turkey just to protect their looting plans, “Erdogan said.

Imamoglou’s arrest took place a few days before he was appointed as a candidate for the opposition People’s Party for the presidency in Sunday’s qualifiers. Ozel said the qualifying elections, where about 1.5 million people can vote, would normally be held as planned.

The opposition party also urged citizens to participate in symbolic elections on Sunday – Through improvised molds that will be erected throughout Turkey- as a sign of solidarity with Imamoglou.

In a message posted on his social media account on Saturday, Imamoglu described his arrest as a “coup” and accused the government of exploiting the judiciary.