İBB Trial Continues: İmamoğlu Expected to Make Defense Statement

The trial concerning the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) entered its 64th day, with Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu present in court. The case involves 414 defendants, 59 of whom are currently detained. The proceedings are being held at the No. 1 hall opposite the Marmara Closed Penitentiary Institution, overseen by the Istanbul 40th High Criminal Court.

On the previous day, Fatih Keleş, President of the İBB Sports Club and the second most accused individual after İmamoğlu according to the indictment, concluded his defense. However, his lawyer, Nergiz İnce, was unable to complete the final part of her statement, requesting to continue on the next day, which led to the adjournment of the session.

Today's proceedings began with the completion of the defense by Keleş's other lawyer, Baran Kaya. Following this, the court is expected to hear from Mayor İmamoğlu himself after the lunch break. İmamoğlu, who had been absent from the previous session due to a court-imposed ban, arrived today. Also present for the first time was İBB Deputy Secretary General Erdal Celal Aksoy, who has been experiencing significant health issues and underwent surgery in prison in March.