Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has been summoned for questioning as part of two separate investigations launched in the past 18 days. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office accuses İmamoğlu of attempting to improperly influence a judicial investigation and publicly criticizing a court-appointed expert in a manner prosecutors argue constitutes intimidation.
The mayor arrived at Istanbul’s Çağlayan Courthouse, accompanied by his legal team and Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, a fellow member of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). İmamoğlu was questioned by the Terror Crimes Investigation Bureau regarding remarks he made about Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Akın Gürlek and his family during a television appearance, as well as allegations of attempting to pressure a judicial expert.
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İmamoğlu’s summoning is particularly notable as it comes amid a wave of widespread detentions and arrests targeting political figures, including mayors from Turkey’s predominantly Kurdish provinces, officials from opposition-controlled municipalities in Istanbul, and the recent arrest of Victory Party Chair Ümit Özdağ.
Tensions at the courthouse
As İmamoğlu entered the courthouse at 10:00 AM, riot police erected barricades at the entrance. A significant number of opposition politicians, including CHP deputies Burhanettin Bulut and Özgür Karabat, CHP parliamentary group leaders, and Turkey Bar Association President Erinç Sağkan, gathered in solidarity.
Outside, tensions escalated when police deployed a water cannon-equipped riot vehicle in front of the CHP campaign bus, sparking clashes between law enforcement and opposition supporters.
Political support and calls for justice
Addressing the crowd from atop a campaign bus, Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş called for the closure of Silivri Prison—Europe’s largest penal facility and a symbol of political persecution in Turkey, where numerous journalists and politicians are incarcerated. “When power changes, let closing Silivri be the first step in restoring democracy,” Yavaş declared, criticizing the state of the judiciary.
Following his testimony, İmamoğlu spoke to supporters outside the courthouse, denouncing what he called judicial harassment. “This is about justice. We are witnessing the highest level of judicial intimidation in Istanbul. But we will not back down. Our fight against injustice and lawlessness will continue,” he asserted.
Broader political context
İmamoğlu also condemned recent legal actions against opposition-led municipalities, including Esenyurt and Beşiktaş. He argued these moves were politically motivated efforts to weaken local governance. “The early morning detention of Professor Ahmet Özer in Esenyurt and the unjust suspension of Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat are clear examples of the judiciary being used to shape political outcomes,” he said.
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He further criticized judicial experts involved in cases against opposition figures, alleging their reports were manipulated to justify legal action. “One particular expert is repeatedly assigned to cases involving me and my colleagues, and their reports consistently serve as the foundation for prosecutions. This is a systemic abuse of justice,” he alleged.
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu defiant speech
İmamoğlu framed the investigations as part of a broader attempt to intimidate opposition figures ahead of upcoming elections. “Those who overlook injustices can’t later claim they were deceived to escape responsibility. We won’t let that happen. We won’t be fooled. The people will bring down this government, and through the ballot box, they’ll be held to account.” he stated.
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As a key opposition figure and potential presidential contender for 2028, the legal pressures on İmamoğlu have heightened political tensions in Turkey, underscoring the deepening rift between the government and the opposition.
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