Istanbul: Turkish police implemented strict security measures around a venue where opposition supporters convened to protest the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the dismissed mayor of Istanbul.

Tens of thousands of people, waving Turkish flags and carrying banners, gathered at the sea-front rally grounds in Maltepe on the Asian side of Istanbul. The “Freedom for Imamoglu” rally was organized by the main opposition Republican People’s Party.

Authorities responded by blocking several main roads in the vicinity. Water cannon trucks and riot police were stationed near the entrances to the area to maintain order.

The protests erupted nationwide after Imamoglu’s detention on March 19, followed by his imprisonment pending trial on corruption charges.

While the demonstrations have been largely peaceful, authorities have detained nearly 2,000 participants.