Imprisoned Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu testifies in ongoing trial

Imprisoned Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu began his testimony on October 14, 2026, in Silivri, as part of a high-profile trial concerning the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Imamoglu, who has been held in custody since March 2025, faces multiple charges for which the prosecution is seeking a total prison sentence of up to 2,352 years. During his statement, he rejected the legitimacy of the proceedings, characterizing them as politically motivated attempts by the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to exclude him from future presidential elections.

Imamoglu accused the administration of systematically weakening democratic institutions, suppressing the press, and subordinating the judiciary to maintain a monopoly on power. He specifically criticized Minister of Justice Akin Gurlek and linked the ongoing legal campaign against him to broader state interventions, including the pressure placed on Halk TV and alleged scandals involving investment funds. According to the defendant, the judicial process aims to eliminate political competition and silence opposition.

This trial represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing power struggle between the Turkish government and the opposition. Imamoglu argued that these actions have left the administration disconnected from society and the economic realities of the country. The proceedings are expected to continue as the court evaluates the extensive charges brought against the former mayor.