Trial of Ekrem Imamoglu for alleged political espionage begins

The trial of former Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has commenced at the Marmara Prison complex in Silivri before the 25th High Criminal Court of Istanbul. Alongside Imamoglu, advisor Necati Ozkan, journalist Merdan Yanardag, and businessman Huseyin Gun are facing charges of political espionage covering the period between 2019 and 2025. Prosecutors are seeking prison sentences ranging from 15 to 20 years for all four defendants. Additionally, the prosecution has requested a political ban for Imamoglu. The 160-page indictment alleges that a database associated with the Istanbul Municipality was used to access personal data of citizens. Furthermore, the prosecution claims that Huseyin Gun maintained contacts with foreign intelligence agencies in Britain, the US, and Israel to transmit sensitive data. These activities are alleged to have been aimed at manipulating municipal elections. Businessman Huseyin Gun is reportedly seeking favorable treatment in exchange for cooperation.