Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu denies all allegations in 121-page testimony
Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu delivers a speech during a demonstration following the arrest of the Mayor of Esenyurt, at the Esenyurt Square in Istanbul, on Oct. 31, 2024 (AFP Photo)
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on Friday denied all accusations during his questioning as part of ongoing corruption and terrorism-related investigations, sources said.
Imamoglu, Istanbul mayor from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and a prominent opposition figure, reportedly provided a 121-page testimony at the Istanbul Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit.
The charges against him include alleged corruption, bribery, and facilitating employment for individuals linked to the PKK terrorist organization.
‘I have committed no crime’
“I strongly reject all allegations against me,” Imamoglu reportedly said in his testimony. “As I have committed no crime, I do not seek to benefit from any provisions of effective remorse.”
The investigation also examines financial misconduct at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), where Imamoglu, IBB Deputy Secretary-General Mahir Polat, Sisli Mayor Resul Emrah Sahan, and others face charges of “terrorism support,” “embezzlement,” and “bid rigging.”
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the inquiry involves 99 other suspects and has led to the detention of 90 individuals. Among those taken into custody are high-profile figures such as Imamoglu’s advisor Murat Ongun and singer Ercan Saatci.
Imamoglu was detained on Wednesday morning. Along with Imamoglu, 106 individuals were targeted in a large-scale operation. The investigations cover various issues, including corruption, terrorism, and the 2013 Gezi Park protests.
