EU Parliament reporter Amor to attend Ekrem Imamoglu's trial in Istanbul

European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor announced on social media that he will travel to Istanbul between 6 and 9 July to observe the court proceedings involving Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Amor said the hearings, including the mayoral case and related investigations, are a critical test of the rule of law, fair‑trial standards and democratic governance in Turkey.

He warned that “Turkey, while hosting the NATO summit, sees its democratic future shaped in a courtroom in Silivri,” and urged the European Union and international organisations to monitor the trials closely. Amor highlighted concerns such as shortened defence time, the removal of lawyers and parliamentarians from the courtroom, and other procedural changes that he says raise serious doubts about the right to a fair defence. He called on EU member states not to focus solely on Ankara but to watch the proceedings as an indicator of Turkey’s commitment to democratic standards.

Amor’s visit comes as Turkey prepares to host the NATO summit, adding geopolitical weight to the domestic legal battle over Imamoglu’s alleged offences.