Proecutor has demanded a 2,430-year prison sentence for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The extraordinary charge, coupled with calls to dissolve his political party, has raised alarms among democracy advocates who view the move as part of a growing crackdown on opposition voices.
Prosecutor Pushes for Record Sentence and Party Dissolution
According to Turkish media reports, the prosecutor accused İmamoğlu of abuse of power, spreading misinformation, and mismanagement of public funds during his tenure as Istanbul’s mayor.
Prosecution also urged the dissolution of the Republican People’s Party one of Turkey’s main opposition parties and the political home of İmamoğlu. Legal experts and political analysts described the demand as unprecedented and politically charged, suggesting it reflects a wider effort to silence dissent ahead of future national elections.
Imamoglu Denounces Charges as Politically Motivated
İmamoglu, who rose to national prominence after his landmark victory in the 2019 Istanbul mayoral race, has rejected all accusations, calling them politically motivated. He argued that the charges represent an attempt to undermine democratic governance and eliminate opposition control in Turkey’s largest city.
In a public statement, İmamoğlu emphasized, “These are not legal proceedings but a political operation disguised as justice. I stand with the people of Istanbul and for democracy.”
Rising Political Pressure in Erdoğan’s Turkey
The case has intensified existing tensions between the opposition and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling AK Party. Observers note that Erdoğan’s government has often clashed with opposition-led municipalities, especially Istanbul and Ankara, over funding, governance, and policy direction.
Critics claim the prosecution reflects a pattern of judicial pressure on political rivals, while supporters of the government argue that the law must be applied equally, regardless of status.
Prosecutor links former Naciri to international drug lord Desert Escobar