What Are the Cases Against Ekrem İmamoğlu?

The charges against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu are widely viewed as political, not legal. These criminal cases emerged after his landslide victories against Erdoğan’s party — victories that made him a major pro-democracy leader and a clear threat to the current regime.

As opposition gains ground in Türkiye, the government responds with judicial harassment, election interference, and efforts to ban rivals from politics. İmamoğlu’s trials symbolize the rule of law erosion and the growing authoritarian shift in Turkey.

His persecution is not just about silencing one man — it’s about weakening hope, democracy, and freedom of speech in an entire nation.

l Onur Morkan