Istanbul municipal officials face organized‑crime trial

Turkey's Istanbul 1st Heavy Criminal Court is hearing the organized‑crime case against dozens of municipal officials, including several mayors and senior administrators. The trial, now in its 53rd day, involves around 200 defendants, of whom seven are currently mayors. Court sessions have featured testimonies from officials such as Istanbul Planning Agency (İPA) chairman Buğra Gökce, who asserted he was cleared of any wrongdoing, and Celal Tekin, who defended his wife Oya Tekin, stating, “Oya Tekin is not involved at any point.” The proceedings also include the prosecution’s claim of bribery and illegal tendering in municipal projects, while the defence repeatedly requests equal application of the law.

The trial continues with further hearings scheduled, and judges are expected to rule on pre‑trial detention requests and the admissibility of evidence in the coming weeks.