Imamoglu, 50 others transferred to prison in ongoing Istanbul municipality probe

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and 50 other suspects were transferred to Marmara Closed Penal Institution on Sunday after their arrests in connection with ongoing corruption and terrorism investigations targeting the municipality.

According to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the suspects had been referred to court following their questioning. After the court issued arrest warrants, legal procedures were finalized at the Istanbul Courthouse in Caglayan.

Under heightened security, the group was transported to the prison facility after being removed from the courthouse.

Imamoglu among those arrested in IBB probes

Mayor Imamoglu is one of several high-profile figures arrested in recent days as part of the wide-ranging judicial investigations.

The charges against various suspects include “establishing and leading a criminal organization,” “bribery,” “bid rigging,” “unlawful acquisition of personal data,” and “aiding an armed terrorist organization.”

Judicial decisions varied among suspects, with some placed under arrest, others released with judicial control measures, and some allowed to go free. Imamoglu was arrested specifically on corruption-related charges.

Justice minister defends legal process

In a statement on social media, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc addressed public reactions to the investigations.

He said, “It is incorrect to label the ongoing judicial process as a ‘political investigation.’ Bringing legal assessments into the political domain can lead to public misperceptions and violates the principle of the rule of law.”

Minister Tunc emphasized that judicial decisions are based on case files, accusations, defenses, and evidence and urged restraint in public commentary. “In line with the principle of the rule of law and trust in the judiciary, the process should be allowed to reach its conclusion. Evaluations should be approached with caution,” he added.

Tunc also stated that only independent and impartial courts, acting on behalf of the Turkish nation, can deliver justice.

“Everyone, especially those in positions of responsibility, should be mindful and careful in their statements, avoiding remarks that may cause misunderstanding in society,” he said.