Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul, was sentenced by the Silivri Court to one year, five months, and 15 days in prison for insulting a public official, plus two months and 15 days for making threats. He denied all charges, calling the case politically motivated due to his plan to run against President Erdoğan in the 2028 presidential election.

The public prosecutor had initially sought a harsher sentence of over seven years and a ban on İmamoğlu’s political activities. The charges against him could disqualify him from participating in the next presidential race.

İmamoğlu is a leading rival to Erdoğan and was re-elected Istanbul mayor in March 2024. He has been held in Silivri Prison since March 19, following an investigation into corruption and alleged terrorism ties that triggered the largest protests in Turkey in over a decade.

The sole and viable Erdogan opponent was taken out!