US EditionImprisoned mayor of Istanbul is to be questioned over espionage charges
- On October 26, 2025, Ekrem Imamoglu was brought to the Caglayan courthouse for questioning in a newly launched espionage investigation.
- Investigators say the probe centers on alleged links between Imamoglu's political campaign and a man arrested in July accused of conducting intelligence activities on behalf of foreign states.
- Supporting prosecutors also questioned Necati Ozkan, Imamoglu's former campaign manager, and Merdan Yanardag, journalist, while Imamoglu left Marmara Prison for the first time in seven months after pretrial detention since March.
- Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the courthouse to show solidarity with Imamoglu, CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel framed the response as a democratic struggle, while Erdogan's government insists the judiciary is independent and probes focus on corruption.
- Critics say the moves fit a broader pattern after the Republican People's Party's gains in last year's local elections, and several CHP-run municipalities have faced waves of arrests throughout the year.
121 Articles
121 Articles
Shortly before Friedrich Merz's visit to Turkey, a new arrest warrant is issued against the opposition politician Imamoglu. He is accused of espionage and corruption. The action provides for sharp criticism and raises questions about the independence of the judiciary.
Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is seen as the only one who could challenge Turkish President Erdogan for power. But the chances of him being allowed to run in the next presidential election are looking increasingly slim. Now he is also accused of espionage. “It would be more realistic to say that I burned down Rome,” he says.
The move marks a new phase in the legal pressure on President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's main rival. Critics are calling it a politically motivated case.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 36% of the sources lean Left, 36% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
