PROTESTERS in Turkey staged a one-day shopping boycott today after the main opposition called for action against the imprisonment of its presidential candidate.

The boycott, launched by student groups, urged consumers to avoid commercial activity for the day and for businesses to close.

Large-scale anti-government protests began last month after the jailing of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the main challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Mr Imamoglu faces corruption and terrorism charges that observers say are politically motivated.

It followed the arrests of hundreds of politicians, trade unionists and activists also under false terrorism charges.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya called the boycott “sabotage” and a “coup attempt against our economy” while Trade Minister Omer Bolat said companies that suffer financial losses could seek compensation from protest organisers.

Mr Bolat posted images of himself shopping on social media, calling it a “day of protecting the national economy.”

Meanwhile, the head of Turkey’s broadcasting authority warned of possible action against news channels covering the boycott.

Last week, it issued a 10-day airwave ban for one opposition channel as well as fines and programme suspensions for others.