Ekrem İmamoğlu trial proceeds amid denial of charges and torture claims

The Istanbul 40th Heavy Criminal Court continues the high‑profile "Ekrem İmamoğlu Çıkar Amaçlı Suç Örgütü" trial, which involves 414 defendants, 59 of whom are detained. In the 55th hearing, former mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu testified that he had been subjected to severe torture, describing 36 hours without water, nail pulling and other abuse.

Separately, Kağan Sürmegöz, head of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Real Estate Management Department, defended himself against accusations of exerting pressure on prosecutors and participating in the alleged criminal organization. He rejected claims of partisan links, denied any personal benefit from the alleged irregularities, and stated that the accusations were false. The court also lifted precautionary measures on the retirees’ pensions. The proceedings are ongoing and are expected to influence the legal and political landscape in Istanbul.