Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu Faces New Judicial Investigation

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is facing a new judicial investigation initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office shortly after he criticized the judiciary's role in opposition-controlled municipalities. Imamoglu alleged that a court-appointed expert, Satılmış Büyükcanayakın, has been repeatedly chosen for cases involving his party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), suggesting bias in the judicial process. The investigation centers on accusations of 'attempting to influence judicial officials' following Imamoglu's remarks implying governmental manipulation of the judiciary for political purposes. This development comes amidst rising tensions as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's administration has been accused of targeting opposition figures through legal actions. Imamoglu previously faced a conviction for insulting public officials, which, if upheld, could ban him from politics for five years. The government maintains that the judiciary operates independently, rejecting allegations of political interference.