Second investigation against Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu in two weeks

Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an ex officio investigation into Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu for alleged “attempts to influence fair trial proceedings” and “interfering with an expert witness” on Monday.

The prosecutor’s office cited alleged attempts to influence judicial proceedings and publicly targeting an expert witness as grounds for the investigation. This marks the second instance whereby Imamoglu faced an investigation immediately after giving a speech.

Mayor criticizes judicial process in press conference

During the press conference, which Imamoglu had previously described as revealing “things you’ll hear for the first time,” the mayor directed attention to expert witness S.B.. Referring to his disclosures as “the cat is out of the bag,” Imamoglu accused S.B. of irregularities in reports presented to the court.

Imamoglu stated that S.B. had submitted “a nonexistent report as if it were valid” in a case stemming from his tenure as Beylikduzu mayor. He also alleged that S.B. was involved in investigations targeting CHP-run municipalities in Besiktas and Esenyurt.

During his press briefing, Imamoglu said that Istanbul has over 8,800 registered expert witnesses, with 1,891 specializing in accounting, yet S.B. has been repeatedly assigned to cases related to CHP municipalities, including Beylikduzu, Besiktas, and Esenyurt. “Is it a coincidence that the same person is always selected?” Imamoglu asked.

Imamoglu’s call to Minister of Justice and President Erdogan

In his remarks, Imamoglu criticized Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunc and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who also serves as the head of the ruling AK Party.

Imamoglu directly addressed Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunc, urging him to take immediate action. “Do not tweet about judicial independence; fulfill your duty,” he said, adding, “But you won’t be able to. You do not have the power to act in Istanbul.” He claimed that certain judicial circles operate independently of ministerial oversight, with some prosecutors openly stating, “The Minister cannot intervene with us.”

Speaking to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, İmamoglu remarked, “Mr. President, the big secret has been exposed; your trusted figures have been revealed. However, what you think will win public support will not gain a place in the hearts of the people.” He emphasized.

Prosecutor’s statement on investigation

Shortly after Imamoglu concluded his press conference, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced the initiation of an investigation under Articles 277 and 288 of the Turkish Penal Code.

The statement read: “An ex officio investigation has been launched against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu following his press conference today. It was determined that he openly targeted an individual serving as an expert witness in some investigations and public lawsuits conducted by our Prosecutor’s Office, with the aim of influencing decisions in favor of investigation suspects. By publicly disclosing this individual’s name, he has attempted to influence judicial officials. Therefore, an investigation has been initiated under Articles 277 and 288 of the Turkish Penal Code.”