Istanbul Mayor Imamoğlu under attack from the government: Up to 27 years imprisonment requested in 5 cases

New Indictment Against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu: Total of Five Lawsuits Filed

A new indictment has been prepared against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu as part of the so-called expert investigation. This brings the total number of lawsuits against him to five, with a maximum combined sentence of 27 years being sought.

Ongoing Lawsuits and Investigations Against İmamoğlu

1. "Fool" Case: İmamoğlu was sentenced to 2 years, 7 months, and 15 days in prison for allegedly calling those who annulled the March 31 elections "fools." The case is currently under appeal. If the verdict is upheld, he will be removed from office, and a political ban will be imposed.
2. Tender Case (During His Term as Beylikdüzü Mayor): The prosecution is seeking a 3 to 7-year prison sentence, accusing İmamoğlu of causing 250,000 Turkish Liras in public damage in a municipal tender. His legal team highlights that the lawsuit was filed despite a favorable ruling from the Council of State. The next hearing is scheduled for April 11, 2025.
3. Akın Gürlek Case: İmamoğlu faces charges of "threatening and targeting officials in the fight against terrorism" over remarks he made about Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek. The indictment demands a sentence of up to 7 years and 4 months, along with a political ban.
4. Ordu Governor’s Lawsuit: He is also on trial for allegedly insulting then-Governor Seddar Yavuz at Ordu-Giresun Airport’s VIP lounge during a return trip to Istanbul. Prosecutors are seeking a 2-year prison sentence.
5. Expert Case: The expert investigation into İmamoğlu has concluded, and if the indictment is accepted, he faces a prison sentence of up to 4 years.

These legal proceedings have raised concerns over political pressure and the future of İmamoğlu’s political career.