Turkey seeks massive prison term for jailed Istanbul mayor amid wider political struggle
Turkish prosecutors have filed an extensive corruption indictment against Ekrem İmamoğlu, the former mayor of Istanbul and a leading figure in the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). In a case that has drawn both domestic and international attention, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is demanding an extraordinarily long prison sentence — potentially between 828 and 2,430 years — if he is convicted on all counts.
Specific allegations include that İmamoğlu and associates engaged in:
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Bribery and accepting bribes,
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Fraud and embezzlement,
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Rigging public tenders and financial misconduct,
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Money laundering and laundering of criminal proceeds,
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Obstructing justice and concealing evidence,
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Violations of environmental, tax, forestry, and mining laws.
The indictment also lists hundreds of co‑defendants, including senior municipal officials whom prosecutors describe as managers or organisers within the alleged network, and seeks severe sentences for many of them as well.
Legal process and timeline
İmamoğlu has been in detention since March 2025, following his arrest over corruption charges. He was removed from office and faces multiple legal cases, including earlier convictions for insulting public officials, which he is appealing.
The new case is expected to proceed in a heavy criminal court in Istanbul, and one report suggests the trial could stretch on for more than 12 years given the volume of evidence, number of witnesses and defendants involved.
Political context and reactions
İmamoğlu is widely seen as one of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s top political rivals and was poised to be the CHP’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2028 election. Critics — including leaders of the opposition party — argue that the timing and scale of the charges are politically motivated, aimed at sidelining him and weakening the opposition’s ability to compete electorally.
Opposition figures and human rights advocates say the case reflects broader concerns about judicial independence and political repression in Turkey, pointing to a pattern of legal actions against other opposition politicians and civil society activists.