Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu Testifies in Two Separate Investigations Over Book and Courtroom Remarks

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu testified via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBIS) in an investigation concerning his book titled 'Millet Sahidimdir'. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched the probe over allegations of publicly insulting the Republic of Turkey, its government, and judicial organs. Imamoglu stated he decided to publish the interrogation as a book because he was unable to give his statement.

Imamoglu said he attended a hearing on July 8, 2026, but the presiding judge repeatedly interrupted his procedural objections and eventually removed him from the courtroom after recording that he would not defend himself. He denied ever saying he would not defend himself and claimed the record was incorrect.

“I decided to publish the interrogation I was unable to conduct as a book.”

The mayor stated that police intervened at the printing house just as printing began, despite no court decision being issued. He noted the printing house stopped production to avoid confrontation with the state and that a ban notice had arrived at the facility.

In a separate investigation, Imamoglu testified regarding remarks he made during a hearing in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality case, where he said 'I will judge'. The Silivri Chief Public Prosecutor's Office opened this probe over the phrase, which he described as metaphorical.

Imamoglu argued his statements were political criticism and contained no praise or incitement of violence. He questioned how the act of judging could be considered a threat and said the indictment targeted him personally.

He stated he had no personal intent toward the indictment writers or the judicial panel. Imamoglu explained that by 'I will judge' he meant the indictment was false and full of slander and fabrications.