[55418] Opening of the 'espionage' trial of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu

Opening of Ekrem İmamoğlu's espionage trial in Silivri

Today, May 11, 2026, the high-profile trial of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu opened at the Silivri courthouse. According to the GündemX channel, the legal proceedings concern serious charges of "siyasal casusluk" (political espionage) against İmamoğlu.

A report by the Haber Gündem channel details that İmamoğlu, who was removed from his post following his arrest in the "for-profit criminal organization" case, is standing trial alongside other figures: Hüseyin Gün, Necati Özkan, and Merdan Yanardağ. According to the report, the prosecution is seeking a sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each of the defendants on the espionage charges.

Both channels, known for their coverage of the political agenda in Turkey, emphasize the severity of the event and the fact that it is the first day of the trial. At this stage, no details have been released regarding the defendants' defense arguments against the heavy charges brought against them for organized criminal activity and espionage.