Turkish Authorities Seek Extensive Jail Term for Istanbul Mayor
Istanbul's chief prosecutor has requested significant jail terms for Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and 401 other individuals, alleging their involvement in a criminal corruption network. Prosecutor Akin Gürlek has accused Imamoglu of 142 corruption offenses, with potential jail terms ranging from 828 to 2,352 years. An estimate by Anadolu news agency suggests the charges could carry a prison sentence of 2,430 years.
Allegations of Corruption and Financial Losses
Following an eight-month inquiry, Prosecutor Gürlek stated that the suspects had formed a criminal organization engaged in bribery and money laundering. The prosecutor cited alleged losses to the Turkish state totaling 160 billion lira (£2.9 billion; $3.8 billion).
Imamoglu faces 12 counts of bribery, seven counts of money laundering from criminal proceeds, and seven counts of fraud against public institutions and organizations.
Mayor's Response and Political Context
Mayor Imamoglu and his opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) deny all wrongdoing. They assert that the charges are a political response to perceived declines in presidential popularity. Imamoglu, a prominent political figure and potential presidential candidate for the secular CHP in 2028, has been in pre-trial custody since March.
His initial detention in March resulted in widespread protests, hundreds of arrests, and police actions. He remains held in Marmara prison on the outskirts of Istanbul.
Additional Charges and Political Implications
Beyond the corruption case, prosecutors have also leveled accusations of espionage and forging his university diploma, a qualification that has since been annulled. Turkish authorities have denied allegations that the judiciary is being used as a political tool. Without a university diploma, Imamoglu would be ineligible to stand for the presidency in 2028.
CHP leader Özgür Özel stated that the party maintains Imamoglu as its presidential candidate for 2028, asserting that his alleged 'crime' is his presidential aspirations. Imamoglu has previously appealed a July jail term of one year and eight months for insulting and threatening the Istanbul prosecutor, as well as an earlier sentence for criticizing election officials.
Espionage Allegations and Official Denials
An espionage case, initiated two weeks prior, alleges that Imamoglu provided data belonging to Istanbul residents in exchange for international funding. Imamoglu has publicly dismissed these allegations. CHP leader Özgür Özel has accused authorities of fabricating offenses to prevent the mayor's release, questioning the extensive nature of the charges.
Imamoglu, 54, was first elected mayor in 2019 and re-elected in April 2024, defeating the governing AK Party candidate by a margin of nearly one million votes.