Istanbul, Turkey. Jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu argued with the presiding judge on Monday as a sweeping corruption trial of more than 400 defendants linked to the Istanbul municipality opened at Silivri prison.
Imamoglu seeks to speak as trial begins
Imamoglu, 55, demanded permission to speak and urged the judge to “respect the right of people to defend themselves,” but the judge refused. The proceedings involve more than 400 defendants linked to the Istanbul municipality.
Charges and denials
Imamoglu is accused of leading a criminal organisation for profit, involving tender-rigging and bribery. He and his main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) deny the corruption charges, which carry prison sentences amounting to hundreds of years.
Security and pre-trial detention
Police maintained tight security outside the courthouse at Silivri prison west of Istanbul, where Imamoglu has been held in pre-trial detention for almost a year. The case comes amid a judicial crackdown on the CHP that is overshadowing politics ahead of elections expected to be held next year.
Gallery cleared after courtroom protests
Imamoglu, the CHP’s presidential candidate, waved his hands as he entered the courtroom as defendants, lawyers and members of the public stood to clap, whistle and wave back. He protested the judge’s decision to hear other defendants before him, despite being the chief suspect.
The judge called the protest disrespectful to the court, prompting further outcry from the public gallery. The judge ordered the gallery to be emptied and called a recess until 1030 GMT.
CHP leaders and family attend hearing
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel and Imamoglu’s wife, Dilek, sat side-by-side in the large courtroom, which was fitted with two large screens.
“We are nervous and anxious,” Dilek Imamoglu told reporters before the hearing started. “We hope that they move to trial without detention. I last saw Ekrem last week, and he was in very good spirits.”
Political backdrop
In comments to Reuters last month, Imamoglu said President Tayyip Erdogan should call elections immediately. Rights groups and foreign observers have said the crackdown has undermined the democratic credentials of NATO member Turkey.
What do you think the opening day’s courtroom protests could mean for the rest of the trial?
