Ekrem Imamoglu: Istanbul Mayor Faces Court Over Corruption Allegations

Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, appeared in court today (22/3/25) at the Kaglan judicial complex following his arrest on Wednesday (19/3/25) on charges of ‘corruption’ and ‘supporting a terrorist organization,’ as announced by municipal authorities. The prosecutor will decide on the continuation of Imamoglu’s detention, who is the main political rival of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. If formal charges are filed against him, he could face immediate dismissal from office, prompting the Ministry of Interior to appoint a temporary replacement for the municipality. Protesters have gathered outside the courthouse with a strong police presence supporting Imamoglu. Steel barriers and hundreds of officers in riot gear monitor the demonstrators to prevent potential clashes. Many roads are closed, making vehicle access nearly impossible. During the hearing, Imamoglu stated that he and his colleagues are facing baseless accusations and slander, emphasizing that these claims will fall when they hit the walls of our nation’s heart.