Suspended Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu appeared in three separate court cases on the same day at the Marmara Closed Penal Execution Institution in Silivri. İmamoğlu, who is currently detained, faced charges related to a “espionage” case, a separate diploma-related legal proceeding, and a corruption case involving the municipality, according to reports from the courtroom.
Court Appearances and Legal Proceedings
During the sessions, İmamoğlu addressed the court regarding the “espionage” case, which includes journalist Merdan Yanardağ, political consultant Necati Özkan, and Hüseyin Gün as co-defendants. Following this, he attended the hearing concerning the validity of his university diploma. The hearings were observed by CHP leader Özgür Özel, Murat Karayalçın, Dilek İmamoğlu, and European Parliament Turkey Rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor.
İmamoğlu stated that he has faced over 20 lawsuits in the last 1.5 years. He criticized the current judicial process, arguing that the judiciary is under political pressure and that the legal system is being undermined. Regarding the diploma case, the court decided to wait for the conclusion of the administrative judiciary process and adjourned the hearing to December 25, 2026.
The Istanbul University rector reportedly told İmamoğlu during a phone call that the university was in a “very difficult situation” after receiving an “urgent” request from the prosecutor’s office to cancel his diploma, which was originally issued 36 years ago.
Defense and Allegations of Political Motivation
İmamoğlu maintained that the legal actions against him are politically motivated, characterizing them as an attempt to prevent his political success. He pointed to the frequent turnover of judges—claiming 18 have been changed in his cases—and the promotion of prosecutors who prepared his indictments as evidence of political influence. He emphasized that while 28 other people had their diplomas canceled, he is the only one currently facing a criminal investigation regarding the matter.
In the “espionage” case, İmamoğlu denied any connection to Hüseyin Gün, whom the indictment identifies as an organization leader. He questioned why the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) has not provided a definitive response regarding the espionage allegations. He further noted that Fuat Oktay, the former Vice President, had previously granted Hüseyin Gün a written assignment for one year, challenging the court to reconcile this with the current criminal charges.
The simultaneous handling of multiple high-profile cases against a major political figure, coupled with the presence of international observers like Nacho Sánchez Amor, underscores the high stakes of these proceedings. The decision to adjourn the diploma case until late 2026 suggests a prolonged legal timeline that could significantly impact the political landscape, particularly as İmamoğlu frames these trials as direct challenges to his electoral history and future political viability.
What Happens Next?
The legal proceedings are expected to continue with the collection of outstanding evidence. The court noted that digital investigation reports requested from the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK), the police, and MİT have not yet reached the case file. Meanwhile, the prosecution has requested the continuation of the detention for the accused. Future developments will likely depend on the outcome of the administrative processes regarding the diploma and the arrival of the requested intelligence and digital reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the diploma case adjourned?
The court decided to wait for the administrative judiciary process concerning the cancellation of the diploma to be finalized before proceeding, setting the next hearing date for December 25, 2026.
What is the basis of the “espionage” charges?
The prosecution has linked İmamoğlu, Merdan Yanardağ, Necati Özkan, and Hüseyin Gün in an espionage case. İmamoğlu has rejected these claims, stating he does not know the co-defendant Hüseyin Gün and criticizing the indictment as lacking a factual basis.
What was the defense’s position on the corruption allegations?
Tuncay Yılmaz, the General Manager of İmamoğlu İnşaat, who is also detained, argued that he has no official duty or relationship with the Beylikdüzü or Istanbul Metropolitan municipalities. He claimed his detention is based on “groundless and abstract” allegations solely due to his role as a manager at companies owned by İmamoğlu.
How might these ongoing legal developments influence the public’s perception of judicial independence in the country?
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