Nine İBB defendants released as Istanbul mayoral trial reaches 53rd day

On the 53rd day of the Istanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi (İBB) trial, the court examined the continued detention of defendants, hearing the defence of Ramazan Gülten, the head of the city's Planning and Development Department. The courtroom was packed and defendants were greeted with applause; witnesses and officials expressed emotional reactions, with one stating, “Kalbimin bir kısmını orada bırakarak geldim.”

Later that day, a court decision led to the release of nine detainees from Silivri’s Marmara Prison. Those freed included city department heads Yavuz Saltık and Ramazan Gülten, former media executive İpek Elif Atayman, and several senior officials from cultural and municipal enterprises. They addressed the crowd, thanking supporters and calling for the freedom of remaining co‑defendants, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s party colleagues.