Up to seven years and nine months in prison, as well as deprivation of his political rights, the Turkish Public Prosecutor’s Office for the Mayor of Constantinople and one of the most iconic opponents of the president.
Evolution restores the shadow of a political clarification over Turkish justice, as the opposition speaks of a “prosecution of law” with clear electoral goals.
Imamoglu himself described the case as “unexplained”, wondering “why the international prestige of Turkey is being spread” and because “for 70 years, families and property has been in danger, just to build a revenge scenario.”
From the cancellation of the degree to the prostitute: The timing of the prosecution
Political pressure on Imamoglou has been escalating since the end of 2024, with the cancellation of his university degree shortly before his nomination for the presidency. On March 19, 2025, he was arrested by the Turkish authorities with a heavy indictment involving corruption, blackmail, bribery, money laundering and terrorist support – with a clear reference to.
His arrest caused mass demonstrations in Ankara and other cities, which was followed by a ban on rallies and limiting access to social networks. Imamoglou was detained and held in the prisons of Silivria – also known as the “Siberia of Turkey” – where he can remain for two years without trial, under Turkish legislation.
Categories and legal developments
The indictment focuses, among other things, in statements by Imamoglou who are alleged to “target” Istanbul General Akin Gurlex, and “serve terrorist organizations”. These are added to the charges of financial crimes and terrorism.
The trial is held in a special room next to the prisons where Imamoglou is held – a fact that the defense denounces an obstacle to a fair procedure. The Public Prosecutor’s Office calls for a total sentence of 7 years and 9 months in prison and deduction of his political rights, thus excluding him from the upcoming elections.
Resistance messages through the dock
The second hearing has attracted strong political and social interest. Imamoglu’s side were found by Chp President Ozgur Ozel, his wife Dilek Imamoglu, MPs and hundreds of supporters. He entered the room under prolonged applause and slogans such as “Turkey is proud of you” and “everything will be beautiful”.
In his apology, Imamoglu honored the recently deceased Mayor Manisa, Ferdi Zeirrek, and spoke of “punishment instead of awarding justice”. He stressed that “not only is he himself punishable, but the will of the people”, while attacking the government by saying that “the country is burning, the economy is collapsing, the nation is desperate, but you ask for punishment”.
International Concern and Political Impacts
The Imamoglu case has caused a wide outcry, with organizations, institutions and governments closely monitoring the trial as a barometer for democracy and the rule of law in Turkey. The opposition denounces the case as a clear policy, with the aim of excluding the popular mayor from the central political scene ahead of the presidential election.
The case has also had a negative effect on the country’s economy: the Turkish pound has fallen and the stock market has retreated, intensifying volatility in an already fragile context.
The stakes of a trial-stroke
The next trial is set for July 16, 2025, but the stakes far exceeds the criminal treatment of a political person. Ekrem Imamoglu’s trial has turned into a symbol of the democratic deficit in Turkey – a case of heavy consequences for the future of Turkish political life and the country’s relationship with the international community.
