The former mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, risks 2,430 years in prison. The most watched trial in Turkey has begun to the applause of supporters.
A new trial has begun in Istanbul against the former mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu. The charges against the Turkish president’s rival total 3,900 pages and include 142 counts. Today, Ekrem İmamoğlu entered the courtroom to the applause of his supporters.
Ekrem Imamoglu is accused of creating a criminal organization, taking bribes, and embezzlement, writes Mediafax.
According to Hurriyet Daily News, if the prosecution finds the former mayor guilty of all charges, he could face a prison sentence of 2,430 years.
The first hearing was interrupted by the judge, who refused to allow Ekrem İmamoğlu to make a statement.
After the former mayor requested “respect for the presumption of innocence“, the judge left the courtroom, and all those present were also asked to leave.
The trial resumed around lunchtime.
Present in the courtroom were Ekrem İmamoğlu’s family and Özgür Özel, the leader of the opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP).
Details, HERE