Hello, and welcome to NewsHour.
It's coming to you live from the BBC World Service Studios in central London.
I'm Tim Franks, and we're beginning with Turkey and a day of,
let's say, contrasting fortunes for the leading opposition figure Ekrem Imamolu,
the mayor of Istanbul.
We're expecting him to be confirmed later today as his party's candidate to stand in the next presidential elections.
But if that were to happen, he will get the news behind bars, because this morning,
local time,
a court in Istanbul ruled that he should be remanded in jail
while he's investigated over corruption.
Through his lawyers,
Mr. Imamolu has posted on X the message that we will hand in hand uproot this blow this black stain on our democracy.
I will not bow down.
There have been protests across the country since his arrest four days ago.
The sound of police in Istanbul firing pepper spray at demonstrators outside the municipality building.
An economic student who's been part of those protests told the BBC
that Mr. Imamolu's detention was not the only thing driving people onto the streets.
The only common point that binds us.
Is to hope to restore Turkish democracy.
That is why we are standing against the Erdian regime now.