Ekrem İmamoğlu’s corruption trial enters 64th hearing

Turkey’s Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) corruption case, involving former mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and 413 other defendants, has reached its 64th courtroom session. The indictment, completed on 11 November 2025, spans 3,809 pages and accuses İmamoğlu and many municipal officials of organized‑crime offences, bribery, fraud, illegal fundraising and other infractions. Prosecutors are seeking prison terms that together total up to 2,352 years.

The trial, which began with 414 suspects—59 of them detained—has seen repeated hearings. In the 63rd session İmamoğlu was barred from the courtroom, a decision his lawyers called “a grave violation of his right to defense.” Court officials said his appearance could be ordered for the next session. The 64th hearing is slated for 14:00 on the same day, when İmamoğlu is expected to give his defense. Sports club president Fatih Keleş, also charged, has continued his own defense, arguing that the case lacks concrete financial evidence.

Political commentators note that the court has set 9 July as a possible deadline for a decision, sparking speculation about three scenarios ranging from loss of parliamentary immunity to a broader operation against opposition figures. The proceedings are being closely watched as they affect İmamoğlu’s presidential candidacy and broader opposition politics in Turkey.