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Trial begins in espionage case against Ekrem Imamoğlu and others

Ekrem Imamoğlu, former Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

11 May 2026 14:56 (UTC +04:00)

The trial in the “espionage case” against former Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, and others has begun, NTV reports.

The first hearing of the trial was held today at the 25th Istanbul Heavy Penal Court in Silivri.

At the same time, another court proceeding regarding charges of “forming an organized criminal group” against Ekrem Imamoğlu and defendant Necati Ozkan is being held today in another courtroom.

Note that in October last year, an investigation was launched on espionage charges against Ekrem Imamoğlu, Imamoğlu’s election campaign manager Necati Ozkan, and journalist Merdan Yanardag.

Recall that Ekrem Imamoğlu was detained last March within the framework of an investigation launched at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. A search was conducted at Imamoglu’s home, after which he was taken for a medical examination. More than 100 people were detained in connection with the case.

Ekrem Imamoğlu was elected Mayor of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in 2019 as the candidate of the Republican People’s Party.

Seljan Zaurgizi

Ekrem Imamoğlu Türkiye Istanbul espionage case NTV Necati Ozkan Merdan Yanardag Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Republican People’s Party CHP court trial politics organized crime charges Silivri