ISTANBUL (AP) — Istanbul's imprisoned opposition Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and his legal team staged a boycott of a court hearing on Thursday, citing a last-minute change of venue as “unlawful.” This particular hearing pertained to remarks made by Imamoglu regarding the prosecution of other members from his party, the Republican People's Party (CHP).
Imamoglu has been embroiled in numerous criminal allegations, having been arrested in March along with several other notable political figures. This arrest was part of a broader investigation into claims of corruption and alleged affiliations with terrorist organizations. His detainment sparked the largest street protests Turkey has witnessed in over a decade, highlighting widespread public dissent.
A potential conviction in any of the cases against Imamoglu could result in his disqualification from holding or seeking public office. As a prominent figure in Turkish politics, Imamoglu is viewed as the primary challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been in power for 22 years. Despite his imprisonment, Imamoglu was officially nominated as the CHP's presidential candidate, with Turkey's next elections scheduled for 2028, although they may occur earlier than planned.
In a public statement, the CHP conveyed that neither Imamoglu nor his legal representatives would attend Thursday’s court session due to the venue switch, which they argued was executed through unlawful means. Imamoglu, in a statement made from jail, characterized the hearing as “irregular” and incompatible with the principles of a fair trial. He stated, "I refuse to be a part of such a process and therefore I will not attend this hearing."
The venue for the hearing was moved from the Caglayan courthouse in central Istanbul to Silivri prison just 24 hours prior to the scheduled appearance. Silivri prison, located west of Istanbul, is where Imamoglu is currently incarcerated. Prosecutors have requested a prison term of two to four years for Imamoglu, coupled with a political ban. These charges are based on allegations of “attempting to influence” an expert witness involved in the case. The court has adjourned the hearing to September 26.
This incident is part of a wider pattern, as officials from CHP-run municipalities have faced a series of arrests throughout the year. Many citizens in Turkey perceive these legal actions as politically motivated, a sentiment reflected in various opinion polls. In contrast, Erdogan's government maintains that the judicial system operates independently and free from political pressures.
