Imamoglu Begins Defense in Istanbul Municipality Corruption Trial

Jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu began his defense on October 14 at the 33rd Heavy Penal Court in the case alleging a 'crime organization' within the municipality. The hearing took place in a courtroom set up near Marmara Prison, with Imamoglu and other detained defendants, including former Beylikduzu Mayor Mehmet Murat Calik, in attendance. Imamoglu opened his statement by referencing the recent flood death of a 14-year-old in Fatih, arguing the trial cannot be separated from the city's governance failures.

The indictment, prepared by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime, lists 407 suspects, seven of whom are fugitives. It calculates the alleged financial gain and public damage at approximately 160 billion Turkish lira and 24 million US dollars based on historical values, alongside 95 immovable properties across Istanbul and the country. The Council of Inspection of the Presidency is listed as the 'informant,' while various ministries and the municipality are listed as 'aggrieved parties.'

“This trial cannot be interpreted separately from the disaster experienced yesterday.”

Imamoglu has been in pre-trial detention since March 23, 2025, following his arrest on March 19, roughly 19 months ago. Prior to the municipality case, Istanbul University annulled his university diploma on March 18, 2025, citing irregularities in a 1990 horizontal transfer. He faces multiple other prosecutions, including charges of insulting Supreme Election Council members, espionage, and a separate tender case from his time as Beylikduzu mayor.

The current hearing marks the 99th session of the municipality trial, which began after Imamoglu's arrest. His defense is scheduled to continue over four days, concluding on October 17. Republican People's Party (CHP) Leader Ozgur Ozel, lawmakers, and Imamoglu's family members observed the proceedings from the gallery.