Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's Court Hearing Draws International Condemnation Amid NATO Summit

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Turkey’s leading opposition figure, has been in custody since March 2025 and is facing a 142‑count corruption indictment that could total more than 2,000 years in prison. The latest hearing, held at a special court next to the Silivri prison complex, took place while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted NATO leaders in Ankara. Imamoglu was removed from the courtroom after a heated exchange with the judge, accusing the panel of silencing him and violating his right to a defence.

International bodies have voiced concern. The Socialist International issued a statement condemning the “lawfare” against Imamoglu, calling his treatment a breach of fair‑trial standards, and European Parliament rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor highlighted the timing of the hearings during the NATO summit. The opposition party CHP has named Imamoglu its presidential candidate, and the case involves over 400 co‑defendants, many of whom remain detained. Judges have limited the time Imamoglu can speak, prompting further accusations of political repression ahead of Turkey’s 2028 elections.