Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has been questioned by a prosecutor as part of a terrorism investigation after being taken into custody earlier this week, alongside 90 others, in a sweeping probe into alleged terrorism links and corruption.
İmamoğlu’s questioning at the prosecutor’s office lasted for one hour, focusing on accusations related to terrorism. He has now begun giving testimony regarding the corruption allegations, according to officials.
The mayor was transferred from police headquarters to the courthouse in a separate vehicle, and only his lawyers were permitted into the prosecutor’s office. Authorities deployed 14 buses to transport the other suspects, while 34 prosecutors have been assigned to the case.
Wide-ranging accusations
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched investigations into İmamoğlu and 99 other suspects on charges including “leading a criminal organization,” “membership in a criminal organization,” “bribery,” “aggravated fraud,” “illegal acquisition of personal data,” and “rigging public tenders.”
Additionally, İmamoğlu, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Deputy Secretary General Mahir Polat, Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan, and four other suspects are being investigated for allegedly “aiding the PKK/KCK terrorist organization.”
The arrests, carried out by police special forces, included high-profile figures such as İmamoğlu’s advisor Murat Ongun, Beylikdüzü Mayor Murat Çalık, Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan, and singer Ercan Saatçi. All detainees were taken to Istanbul Police Headquarters before being transferred to court.
Road closures and transport disruptions
In response to the investigation, Istanbul authorities imposed several security measures around Çağlayan Courthouse. The Governor’s Office announced that roads leading to the courthouse would remain closed until 8:00 AM on March 23. Key roads affected include Abide-i Hürriyet Street, Darülaceze Street, and Taş Ocağı Street.
Metro Istanbul also announced that trains on the M7 Yıldız-Mahmutbey Metro Line would not stop at Çağlayan Station until further notice.
Political implications
The arrest of İmamoğlu — a prominent opposition figure and potential presidential contender — has triggered strong reactions, with critics accusing the government of using judicial processes to suppress political rivals.
The investigation is expected to deepen tensions ahead of local elections next year, where İmamoğlu was widely seen as a frontrunner for re-election.