section_path: Reactions
section_name: Reactions
paragraph_text: Reactions
  
  İmamoğlu, previously anticipated to run for president in 2028, was nominated by the CHP as its presidential candidate on March 23, despite his imprisonment and the annulment of his university degree, which would technically disqualify him from the race. The protests are perceived as a response to the perceived injustice of incarcerating a democratically elected mayor who has been characterized as a "man of the people," reflecting broader concerns about democratic backsliding in Turkey.
  
  Despite his detention, İmamoğlu managed to post a social media statement in defiance, stating that he would "not give up" and would "continue standing up against the pressure" as a significant opposition figure against the current Turkish administration.
  
  Some politicians from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) and Kurdish voters worry that the arrest could stymie the chances of the effort to end the Kurdish-Turkish conflict. DEM deputy leader Ebru Gunay said "What happened in Istanbul showed once again that this country needs a real democracy". However, recent talks between the PKK and the government suggest that Dem Party has been hesitant to fully back the opposition. While Imamoglu’s supporters gathered in protest near Istanbul, many Kurdish and Dem Party members instead participated in their Nowruz celebrations in the city, not confronting with the government.