Imamoglu’s Jail: Politics Over Justice

The case against Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, looks more like a political move than a legal battle. In early March, the mayor appeared in court as part of a corruption inquiry that names over 400 people tied to the city’s administration. Prosecutors say he ran a profit‑making scheme with bribery and unfair contracts, but Imamoglu and his party reject the claims. Opposition leader Ozgur Ozel argues that the trial is not about facts; it’s a tool used by President Erdogan to stop Imamoglu from running in the next election. He says judges are instructed not to give a fair hearing but to hand out the verdict Erdogan wants.Erdogan’s administration insists that courts are independent, yet many observers see the investigation as part of a broader crackdown on the Republican People’s Party (CHP). Imamoglu has been in pre‑trial detention for almost a year, a situation that critics say weakens Turkey’s democratic standing. Ozel predicts Imamoglu will not be freed while the case is pending unless there is significant domestic or international pressure. He claims Erdogan wants to keep him behind bars so he cannot travel across Turkey and launch a campaign before the scheduled election. Polls show Imamoglu is a strong contender against Erdogan, and the CHP currently leads in party surveys. Ozel warns that as elections near, political attacks will intensify and the government may push for an earlier vote in 2027 or 2028, which would allow Erdogan to run again. He remains confident that the opposition can win at the polls.