Another investigation opened against İmamoğlu: Political ban and prison sentence requested

A lawsuit has been filed against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, seeking a prison sentence of up to 2 years and 4 months for the crime of "insult."

The indictment prepared by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office states that on October 26, 2024, the complainant, Serkan Şahin, happened to see the defendant, Ekrem İmamoğlu, while walking through the SAHA EXPO Defense, Aviation and Space Industry Fair held in Bakırköy.

The indictment reports that while there was a distance of 3-5 meters between the complainant, Şahin, and the defendant, İmamoğlu, the complainant said to another person, "He is walking around here, but our soldier was martyred. What will happen now? He hosted Zeydan in his office yesterday." Upon hearing this, the defendant, İmamoğlu, replied to the complainant, "Calm down, we will talk when the time comes. You continue to play politics, my lion. Continue your ugly politics, you are quite ugly," which led to the complaint.

In the indictment, which includes his statement, the defendant Ekrem İmamoğlu argued that the words uttered were not of a dimension that would offend the honor, dignity, and reputation of the complainant.

İmamoğlu claimed that these words were impolite and rude, and argued that they were directed at the complainant's actions rather than his personality.

The indictment noted that a mediator was appointed because the defendant's action fell under crimes subject to reconciliation, and it was stated that it was understood from the reconciliation report dated July 28, 2025, that no agreement could be reached between the complainant and the defendant.

The indictment requests a prison sentence of 3 months and 15 days to 2 years and 4 months for the crime of "insult" against the defendant Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is currently detained for another offense.

Furthermore, a political ban has been requested for İmamoğlu under Article 53 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).

The indictment, which was sent to the Bakırköy 33rd Criminal Court of First Instance for evaluation, has been accepted.

News Source: 12punto