Was the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu the straw that broke the camel's back?

This weekend, mass protests in Turkey saw millions express their anger at the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The catalyst for these demonstrations was the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent figure in the opposition CHP. The protests, however, seem to be more than just about Imamoglu's detention; they appear to be a culmination of dissatisfaction stemming from long-standing issues including economic turmoil and perceived political oppression. The arrest spurred a significant response from various sectors of Turkish society, uniting people from different social backgrounds, from students to pensioners, across the nation's political spectrum. As the economic situation remains dire with inflation at a staggering 42% and the Turkish lira's depreciation making life increasingly unaffordable, the desperation felt by many is palpable. Dilek Imamoglu, the mayor's wife, emotionally articulated what many feel: 'Justice cannot be imprisoned.' The crackdown on journalists, with reports of international and local reporters being arrested, underscores concerns about press freedom and democratic principles being under threat. CHP leader Ozgür Ozel's statement during the rallies, which saw millions of attendees, emphasized that the fight extends beyond Imamoglu to a broader struggle for Turkey's future political landscape. The description of the protesters as 'marginal groups' by Erdogan reflects the contentious nature of Turkish politics today. Turkey's protests, described as historic, bring attention to the diminishing socioeconomic conditions and the contentious political atmosphere under Erdogan's long-standing leadership. With civil society taking to the streets in large numbers, chanting and waving flags, it's clear that the population is rallying for broader change. These events mark a significant moment in Turkey's political history, as the pursuit for democracy and the rule of law appears to intensify.