Landmark trial opens for Turkish opposition champion ImamogluSupporters wave banners reading 'Release Ekrem Imamoglu'. (Photo: AFP)SILIVRI — Istanbul's jailed mayor Ekrem Imamoglu went on trial on Monday in a sprawling corruption case critics say is a politically motivated bid to scupper his chances of challenging President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. When the trial opened, the judge said Imamoglu would be one of the last to testify, prompting the mayor -- who is the principle accused -- to ask to speak sooner. Imamoglu was jailed on the day he was named the presidential candidate of the main opposition CHP party. Should he be barred, observers expect CHP leader Ozel to run as candidate for the next presidential race.

Source: Bangkok Post March 09, 2026 14:27 UTC