Ekrem Imamoglu Foto © AP Photo / Emrah Gurel
The politician is charged with corruption and leadership of a criminal organization, writes Bloomberg. According to the investigation, 401 people are under investigation – among them businessmen, employees of the municipality and persons connected with the administration of Istanbul. If the court finds Imamoglu guilty on all charges, the cumulative sentence could exceed 2,000 years in prison.
The Republican People’s Party, to which the Istanbul mayor belongs, considers the case politically motivated. Party leader Ozgur Ozel, speaking to supporters, said the prosecution was due to the authorities’ fear of the opposition politician’s growing popularity.
Imamoglu has been in detention since March 2025. He was detained days before he planned to formally announce his intention to run for president.
Ekrem Imamoglu is considered one of Erdogan’s most influential opponents. His victory in the 2019 Istanbul mayoral elections was a major blow to the ruling Justice and Development Party. Erdogan himself also started his political career as mayor of the country’s largest city.
In the 2024 municipal elections, Imamoglu won again, and the Republican People’s Party surpassed the ruling party in terms of local support for the first time in years.
Turkey’s next presidential election is scheduled for 2028.
