Socialist International condemns violation of Ekrem İmamoğlu's rights in trial

The Socialist International has issued a strong statement condemning the judicial process against Ekrem İmamoğlu, the suspended mayor of Istanbul. The organization highlighted the violation of İmamoğlu's rights, stating that his legal rights were once again breached "before the eyes of the whole world."

In a pointed observation, the Socialist International noted the "strange coincidence" that İmamoğlu's hearing began during the NATO Summit in Ankara. During this hearing, he was reportedly asked to respond to 142 separate charges, with prosecutors seeking a prison sentence of 2,352 years. Furthermore, İmamoğlu's right to be present in his own trial was allegedly violated, preventing him from hearing the testimony of the main defendant.

The statement emphasized that the prosecution presented no evidence, while the defense faced strict time limitations. The Socialist International characterized the situation as a "war of law," particularly in light of the repeated targeting of İmamoğlu's party and its leaders through the courts during his months of detention. The organization expressed full solidarity with İmamoğlu, echoing concerns previously raised by EU Parliament Rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor regarding the violation of İmamoğlu's right to defense and a fair trial.