In a significant escalation of a government crackdown on dissent, Turkish authorities have arrested three mayors from opposition parties across southern Turkey. This comes as part of a broader investigation involving corruption allegations, with reports indicating that more than 120 officials from opposition parties have been detained in recent days. The main opposition party has condemned these arrests, highlighting concerns over the erosion of democratic practices in the country. Protests have erupted in Istanbul, where thousands have taken to the streets to support the jailed mayor and decry the government’s actions against opposition figures.