The second half of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's more than two-decade reign has been a tale of deepening authoritarianism. Analysts say the arrest of the Turkish leader's most popular political opponent on contested charges may be its most dangerous chapter to date.

Turkey’s president has accused the political opposition of “sinking the economy” during the country’s largest protests in more than a decade.

Opponents say President Recep Tayyip Erdogan manipulates the courts and the media to tighten his grip on power, and now is trying to prevent a top contender from running for president.