Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu Faces Court as Protests and Criticism Grow

Ekrem Imamoglu's trial on charges of insulting a prosecutor has intensified domestic unrest and international concerns over Turkey's democratic trajectory.

Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul's opposition mayor, appeared in court on April 11, 2025, for charges of insulting Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Akin Gurlek, with prosecutors seeking over seven years in prison.
Imamoglu, detained since March, has denied all charges, calling them politically motivated efforts to block his presidential candidacy and neutralize opposition ahead of future elections.
Mass protests have erupted across Turkey, with thousands detained during demonstrations calling for Imamoglu's release and an end to perceived democratic erosion under President Erdogan.
The Republican People’s Party (CHP) officially nominated Imamoglu as its presidential candidate while he remains in custody, highlighting his pivotal role in opposition politics.
International bodies, including the EU and Council of Europe, have criticized Imamoglu's detention, raising concerns over judicial independence and Turkey's adherence to democratic norms.