Ekrem İmamoğlu begins defense in Istanbul corruption trial

Ekrem İmamoğlu Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Silivri prison Turkish politics corruption trial

Ekrem İmamoğlu, the detained Mayor of Istanbul, has begun his defense in a major corruption trial held at the Silivri prison complex. The case involves 436 defendants, with 53 currently in custody.

İmamoğlu has characterized the legal proceedings as a political maneuver designed to disqualify him from future candidacy, describing it as an “disqualification file.” He accused the government of attempting to establish a regime without political opposition by weakening democratic institutions, the judiciary, and the press.

The prosecution's indictment, spanning approximately 3,900 pages, alleges that İmamoğlu is responsible for 142 separate criminal acts, including bribery, money laundering, and fraud. Consequently, prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence ranging from 828 to 2,352 years.

İmamoğlu's defense is expected to continue over four days, concluding this Saturday. The court is anticipated to issue an interim decision following the completion of his testimony.

Entities

Ekrem İmamoğlu · Halk TV · Istanbul Anadolu 16th Criminal Court of First Instance · Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality · Marmara Closed Prison Complex · Silivri · Silivri Prison · Yeni Parti · Özgür Özel · Şadi Yazıcı

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 6 SOURCES] Ekrem İmamoğlu claims the various legal cases against him are part of a single effort to disqualify him from candidacy. dokuz8haber.net · www.diken.com.tr · dete.gr · www.ertnews.gr · www.newsit.gr · +1 more
[● 4 SOURCES] The indictment alleges İmamoğlu is responsible for 142 separate criminal acts. www.vanhabergazetesi.com · www.baskentgazete.com.tr · www.borsaningundemi.com · www.diken.com.tr
[● 5 SOURCES] The prosecution is requesting a prison sentence of between 828 years and 2,352 years for Ekrem İmamoğlu. www.vanhabergazetesi.com · www.baskentgazete.com.tr · www.borsaningundemi.com · www.konhaber.com · www.diken.com.tr
[● 2 SOURCES] Since the start of the trial on March 9, 2026, 63 defendants have been released. www.vanhabergazetesi.com · www.konhaber.com
[● 4 SOURCES] İmamoğlu's defense is scheduled to take place over four days, concluding on Saturday. www.vanhabergazetesi.com · www.borsaningundemi.com · www.konhaber.com · www.diken.com.tr
[DISPUTED] The corruption case involving the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality includes 436 defendants, with 53 currently detained. www.vanhabergazetesi.com · dokuz8haber.net · www.borsaningundemi.com · www.diken.com.tr · www.aydinpost.com · +5 more