Turkish prosecutors demand Istanbul mayor Imamoglu to be jailed pending trial

23/3/2025 11:55

Turkish prosecutors have asked a court to jail Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and four of his aides pending trial on terrorism and corruption charges, Imamoglu's office said, as thousands nationwide protest what they call his undemocratic detention.



Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and potential challenger to President Tayyip Erdogan, was detained on Wednesday on charges such as graft and aiding a terrorist group.



He has denied the charges, calling them "unimaginable accusations and slanders." The court is expected to rule on Imamoglu's detention early on Sunday.

If Imamoglu is arrested on terrorism charges, this would allow the government to appoint a trustee to the municipality, according to Turkish law.