Trending Now - Istanbul's Mayor and 400 Others Face Corruption Trial

WHO:

Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul Mayor

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey

402 defendants, including many elected officials from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and journalists

Akin Gurlek, Deputy Justice Minister and former Istanbul Chief Prosecutor

Benjamin Ward, Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director at Human Rights Watch

WHAT:

Ekrem Imamoglu is facing a corruption trial with 402 other defendants.

Imamoglu has been behind bars for nearly a year.

He faces 142 charges, including establishing a criminal organization for profit.

The indictment is 3,900 pages long.

If convicted, Imamoglu could face a total prison sentence exceeding 2,000 years.

The trial was adjourned after Imamoglu was denied the opportunity to speak.

Hundreds of people gathered to demand Imamoglu's release despite a ban on demonstrations.

WHERE:

Istanbul, Turkey

Silivri prison complex, west of Istanbul

WHEN:

The trial began on March 6th, 2026.

Imamoglu was arrested on March 19th, 2025.

The trial could run for years.

WHY:

Critics claim the trial is a politically motivated move against Turkey’s opposition.

The case is seen as part of a broader judicial campaign against the CHP and its members.

HOW:

The prosecution relies on "secret witnesses" whose identities are hidden from defense lawyers.

Defendants are testifying against their co-accused.

(UPDATED March 9, 2026 15:13 UTC)

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is currently facing a corruption trial alongside 402 other defendants, including many from the Republican People’s Party and journalists, with the proceedings having begun on March 6, 2026. Imamoglu, who has been imprisoned for nearly a year, faces an astonishing 142 charges and could potentially receive a prison sentence exceeding 2,000 years if convicted, while the trial has already been marred by controversy, including his denial of the chance to speak. Despite a ban on demonstrations, hundreds gathered to demand his release, as critics argue that the trial is politically motivated and part of a broader campaign against the CHP and its members.