Istanbul, Dec 13, (dpa/GNA) – An Istanbul court has set the main trial of jailed mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, for March 9, 2026, nearly a year after his arrest, state news agency Anadolu reported on Friday.
The trial involves a sweeping indictment that accuses Imamoglu of leading a criminal organization. A total of 407 defendants are named in the case, including Imamoglu and 104 others who are currently under arrest.
If convicted on charges ranging from bribery and tender rigging to money laundering and environmental offences, Imamoglu faces a potential prison sentence of 849 to 2,430 years, Anadolu cited the indictment as saying.
The indictment lists the Interior Ministry’s inspection board as the complainant.
The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has named Imamoglu as its presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. The charges, however, create uncertainty over his eligibility to run against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Imamoglu and the CHP reject the allegations as politically motivated.
Erdogan has publicly targeted Imamoglu over the claims.
At least five co-defendants, including key mayoral aides, are named as alleged organization leaders, with the remaining defendants also facing lengthy prison terms.
GNA