Mayor repeatedly rejects allegations during police questioning and calls the case "a plot against democracy."
According to Serbestiyet, Istanbul's Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has been arrested on charges related to terrorism and the formation of a criminal organization. During his interrogation at Istanbul's Vatan Police Center, the mayor firmly rejected all allegations.
The interrogation transcript of Serbestiyet reveals that authorities questioned İmamoğlu about multiple issues, primarily on alleged improprieties in municipal advertising contracts, billboard tenders, and claims of financial misconduct through municipal companies. İmamoğlu maintained a consistent position throughout the extensive questioning, repeatedly responding: "I do not acknowledge this question. I strongly reject all allegations." When asked about his personal history, he stated he was born in Akçaabat in 1970, has lived in Istanbul for approximately 35 years, and currently serves as Istanbul's Metropolitan Mayor.
The investigation centers on claims that İmamoğlu and his associates established a network to manipulate municipal tenders, particularly in advertising. Multiple allegations were presented regarding contracts awarded to companies, including BVA Reklam, Urbanmedia, and other outdoor advertising firms, with accusations that these deals caused substantial financial losses to the municipality. Authorities also presented testimony from several unnamed witnesses, identified only as "Secret Witness Meşe," "Secret Witness Çınar," and "Secret Witness Doğan." These witnesses claimed that various municipal officials, including specific individuals described as İmamoğlu's "cashiers," allegedly collected bribes or commissions from contractors.
One significant line of questioning focused on an application called "Istanbul Senin" (Istanbul Is Yours), with allegations that citizens' data was improperly collected and potentially shared with private companies or political campaigns. The investigation also raised questions about financial transfers between certain companies and individuals allegedly connected to İmamoğlu. The interrogation included questions about meetings allegedly held at various locations, including a Mado café in Beylikdüzü and a textile company, where authorities claim İmamoğlu and associates discussed "illegal tenders and commissions."
In his concluding statement, İmamoğlu forcefully rejected all accusations, describing the case as a politically motivated attack: "From the moment I was detained until now, after hearing the questions asked during this interrogation, I feel much worse for our nation, our city, and our country. The questions have shown that my detention is based on fabricated allegations consisting of conspiracies, lies, and unfounded criminal accusations. It is deeply saddening that our country's reputation has been seriously damaged, and democracy and justice have been undermined."
The mayor added that he would not only defend himself but would also pursue legal action against those who prepared these allegations: "I promise before our nation that I will seek all my legal rights regarding these people who have forced 16 million Istanbul residents to experience a period with a detained mayor, and I will do everything in my power to ensure they face justice."
İmamoğlu framed his response as part of a broader struggle for democracy: "My life's ideal is to fight against such practices and ensure our nation lives in a fair environment. This struggle has now increased a millionfold. We have much work to do. My priority will be to bring justice, democracy, and a strong Turkish Republic into our Republic's second century."
The mayor concluded by pledging to continue working toward "a future where no one's rights are violated, where the legal system is just at the highest level, where young people are hopeful, and where a merit-based governance model exists in the public sector, regardless of the conditions." The case has generated significant national and international attention, raising concerns about its implications for Turkish democracy and the rule of law. İmamoğlu, elected in a controversial repeat election in 2019 after defeating the ruling party's candidate, has been seen as a potential challenger to President Erdoğan in national politics.
(NS)