Heated trial of Istanbul mayor Imamoglu opens
Mar 10th 2026
Ekrem Imamoglu, jailed former Istanbul mayor and top opposition figure, clashed with a judge at the start of a sweeping corruption trial that could bar him from running for president as prosecutors seek more than 2,000 years behind bars.
- Imamoglu clashed with the presiding judge after being denied permission to speak when entering the courtroom.
- Prosecutors are seeking in excess of 2,000 years in prison under Turkey's consecutive sentencing system.
- The case is part of a wide corruption probe involving more than 400 defendants linked to the Istanbul municipality.
- Hearings will be held weekly from Monday to Thursday at the Silivri prison courthouse where Imamoglu is being held.
- The CHP and Imamoglu say the charges are politically motivated and warn the trial could prevent him from challenging President Erdogan for the presidency.