Ekrem İmamoğlu’s trial sees birthday celebration and contested court transport

On the 44th day of the Istanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi case, the courtroom turned into a birthday celebration for Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Supporters, family members and cultural figures such as Sunay Akın, Cahit Berkay and Nebil Özgentürk displayed signs and chanted, while İmamoğlu made light‑hearted jokes about the legal process and thanked the crowd.

Earlier that day his transport from Silivri prison to the Istanbul Anatolian Court was halted; officials said a vehicle malfunction forced the convoy to turn back about 60 km. İmamoğlu then appeared via the SEGBİS remote system, alleging a “trap” set to keep him out of court and accusing authorities of psychological torture. The judge noted procedural paperwork and the hearing was postponed to 11 September.