Ekrem Imamoglu: Istanbul’s former mayor faces mass corruption trial amid political tensions

The former mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, is set to become the central defendant in a large corruption trial that critics say could reshape Turkey’s political landscape.

Ekrem Imamoglu, 55, faces more than 140 charges including corruption and allegedly leading a criminal organisation. Prosecutors are seeking a combined prison sentence of up to 2,430 years if he is convicted.

The prominent opposition figure and his party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), strongly deny the accusations. They argue that the case is part of a political crackdown orchestrated by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his allies.

The trial is scheduled to begin on Monday and will take place at the Marmara prison complex, where Imamoglu has been held since his arrest in March last year.

Ekrem Imamoglu: Key challenger to Erdogan

Before his detention, Imamoglu was widely regarded as one of the few politicians capable of defeating Erdogan in a national election.

His popularity surged after he won the mayoralty of Istanbul in 2019 and again in April 2024, defeating the candidate from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) by nearly one million votes.

The victory was seen by many analysts as a significant political setback for Erdogan, who has dominated Turkish politics since 2003.

Imamoglu was arrested on the same day he was named leader of the CHP and its presidential candidate for the 2028 elections.

Despite his detention, he has maintained a defiant tone. Through statements released by his legal team, Imamoglu has called on Erdogan to call early elections.

Hundreds also on trial

The case extends far beyond Ekrem Imamoglu himself. Authorities have placed 407 of his supporters on trial, accusing them of being part of a corruption network allegedly led by the former mayor.

Prosecutors describe Imamoglu as the “founder and leader” of the organisation.

In addition to corruption charges, he faces several other accusations including espionage and allegedly forging his university diploma. Turkish law requires presidential candidates to hold a valid university degree, and authorities have annulled Imamoglu’s qualification.

Protests and international criticism

Imamoglu’s arrest triggered the largest wave of protests in Turkey in more than a decade. Demonstrators took to the streets in several cities, while police responded with a crackdown that led to hundreds of arrests.

International human rights organisations have strongly criticised the prosecution.

Human Rights Watch said the case reflects a broader pattern of using the criminal justice system against opposition politicians.

Benjamin Ward, the group’s deputy Europe and Central Asia director, argued that the prosecution appears aimed at removing Imamoglu from politics and damaging the CHP ahead of future elections.

Similarly, Amnesty International described the charges as “absurd” and said the case raises serious concerns about fair trial standards.

Government rejects accusations

Turkish authorities have denied claims that the judiciary is being used for political purposes.

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek, who previously served as chief prosecutor in the investigation, insisted the case was conducted according to the law.

“I simply did my duty as a public prosecutor. My conscience is clear,” he told reporters.

A trial with major political implications

The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching consequences for Turkish politics.

If convicted, Imamoglu could be removed from political life entirely — potentially eliminating one of Erdogan’s most formidable rivals ahead of the next presidential race.

For now, the trial is expected to draw intense national and international attention as it unfolds in the coming weeks.

Source: BBC.com

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