Imamoğlu From Prison: “This Is a Political Plot: Investigate Every Politician’s Wealth”

İmamoğlu revealed that he was held in custody for 20 hours during the “espionage” investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. He emphasized that all municipal activities were conducted “in accordance with regulations,” and insisted the allegations had no legal basis.

“This nation neither commits espionage nor tolerates it,” he wrote, stressing that the accusations were designed to distort legitimate data-sharing practices linked to municipal social services.

Describing the situation as “the biggest corruption case this nation has ever faced,” İmamoğlu criticized the broader judicial and political climate:

“We are faced with a mindset that cannot even provide humane conditions for those unjustly prosecuted on baseless claims. The so-called ‘biggest corruption case of the century’ has become a test for both the judiciary and politics in this country.”

“The Plot Is So Incompetent, They’re Digging Their Own Graves”

In his prison note, İmamoğlu condemned the investigation’s methods, arguing that it was being pursued “in a way that humiliates justice itself.” He described the process as a “politically driven attempt to intimidate” rather than a legitimate legal action.

“The plot is being carried out so incompetently that they are digging their own graves,” he said.

The mayor linked the current political environment to Turkey’s past authoritarian periods, comparing recent developments to the era of Kenan Evren, the military leader behind the 1980 coup.

“They won’t be able to deceive the people with their lies or subdue them with fear. These statements have no credibility. The public knows everything about my assets — I am ready to be held accountable. But you, you are on the same page as Evren.”

“A Call for Transparency: Investigate All Public Officials”

In one of the letter’s most striking sections, İmamoğlu issued a nationwide call for transparency, urging authorities to audit the wealth of every senior public figure.

“Those who accuse me, those who set up this plot, those who judge me — let everyone’s assets be investigated,” he said.
“Anyone who has mixed their honest earnings with what is illicit should be ready to face justice. Let the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) and the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) investigate the assets of all politicians, bureaucrats, and members of the judiciary. Let those who are clean stand tall, and those who are not be held accountable.”

İmamoğlu pledged to continue fighting against what he described as an ongoing campaign of “political persecution.”

Claims of Inhumane Treatment in Detention

The mayor also described his time in custody at Istanbul’s Çağlayan Courthouse, claiming that he was subjected to degrading treatment during the 20-hour detention period.

“We witnessed a 200-hour judicial theater. We were kept waiting for hours,” he wrote.
“We were held in inhumane conditions. In 102 years of this Republic’s history, no one has witnessed such treatment. Some members of the police and gendarmerie committed unlawful acts during this process.”

Despite what he called “a climate of oppression,” İmamoğlu affirmed his belief in justice and resilience:

“Despite this entire picture, we do not lose our hope or our faith in justice. For us, human dignity comes before everything.”

“A Fight for the Nation’s Conscience”

In closing, İmamoğlu reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles and collective integrity.

“The pure conscience of this nation will overcome all this evil. We will stand tall with patience, faith, and respect,” he wrote.
He accused certain state officials of “knowingly giving illegal orders to the police and gendarmerie,” and said those actions “trampled on the dignity of the Turkish people.”

He concluded:

“We, as the honorable citizens of this country, will continue to fight against this injustice.”