Imamoğlu Faces Judge: “This One-Man System Will Go, Step by Step”

Istanbul Mayor and presidential candidate Ekrem Imamoğlu appeared in court for the first time over his press conference titled “Turpun Büyüğü” (The Bigger Turnip), delivered on January 27. The hearing took place inside the Silivri (Marmara) Prison complex courtroom, with charges of “attempting to influence an expert witness” and “attempting to influence a fair trial”.

The case has drawn significant political attention, with CHP leader Özgür Özel, senior party members, and Imamoğlu’s family—including his mother Havva Imamoğlu attending a trial for the first time—present in the courtroom. Supporters greeted him with chants of “President Imamoğlu” and “Justice, law, rights.”

Gaza Message Opens the Defense

Imamoğlu began his defense with a reference to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza:

“While defending myself here, my heart is elsewhere. It is with the courageous people sailing to Gaza. This is a struggle to protect the dignity of humanity across the world.”

He also criticized political interference in Turkish courts, recalling the release of U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson after pressure from Washington:

“A President said, ‘You will release Brunson,’ and they did. That is the real intervention in the judiciary. Let them attack—I will not fear. Every system built on oppression has collapsed, and so will this one.”

“Step by Step, This System Will Go”

In his closing remarks, Imamoğlu struck a defiant tone:

“The time for change has come. The people will come and this one-man system will go, step by step. I do not want a mindset that destroys hopes of peace just to stay in power. With the people we march for justice and freedom, and these words will echo in their ears. And yes—‘Everything will be beautiful.’”

His phrase “step by step they will go” quickly became the headline moment of the trial.

Defense and Legal Objections

Imamoğlu’s lawyers argued that expert witness S.B., central to multiple cases against opposition mayors, should testify in person. Attorney Hasan Fehmi Demir stated:

“Our client was performing his duty by informing the public through a press conference. Expert S.B. has not been heard in this case, and previous testimony from other files was improperly included.”

The court rejected the request, prompting objections over procedural fairness and accusations of selective prosecution.

Trial Adjourned to December

After two hours, the judge adjourned the trial to December 12, 2025, declining to hear additional witnesses for now. Imamoğlu’s legal team also requested that detained lawyer Mehmet Pehlivan be allowed to attend the next session.

The adjournment further extended a case that many in the opposition view as part of a broader attempt to politically sideline Imamoğlu, who remains a leading challenger in the upcoming presidential election.

Accusations of Politicized Justice

Imamoğlu accused authorities of weaponizing the judiciary against him and other opposition mayors, highlighting that thousands of expert witnesses exist in Istanbul, yet the same name repeatedly appears in opposition-related cases.

“A single expert, in case after case, always appears in files against us. How can this be impartial? They call this justice? It is political engineering through the courts.”

He also pointed to the frequent reassignment of judges in politically sensitive trials, comparing the process to “changing referees in the middle of a match.”

Broader Political Context

This case adds to the list of high-profile trials against Imamoğlu. Previously, he faced the so-called “fool case” that sought to impose a political ban after his remarks about election authorities. Observers note that the accumulation of cases signals a clear effort to weaken his presidential bid.

In court, Imamoğlu reminded supporters of his broader political struggle:

“This is not just about one man’s search for justice. These trials are attacks on democracy, on freedoms, on the future of our children. Turkey has watched the judiciary become a tool of politics. We will not bow down to this system.”

Public Reactions and Symbolism

The trial carried symbolic weight. Supporters filled the courtroom, while outside, slogans echoed his 2019 campaign mantra “Everything will be beautiful.” His mother’s presence underscored the personal toll of the legal battles.

Meanwhile, rights groups argue that the repeated prosecutions against Imamoğlu highlight Turkey’s declining ranking in global rule of law indexes, where it currently sits at the bottom in Europe.

What Comes Next?

The next hearing in December will determine whether the expert witness is eventually summoned and whether further charges are consolidated. For Imamoğlu, however, the trial serves not only as a legal battle but also as a platform to frame himself as the face of resistance against what he calls “one-man rule.”

“I stand on the right side of history. I invite 86 million citizens to stand on the right side as well. Oppression never lasts. The people will prevail.”

As the case drags on, it remains both a legal fight and a political showdown with implications for Turkey’s democratic future.