Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu appeared before the judge for the first time at Silivri's Marmara Prison. The trial was closely followed by party members and citizens.

Imamoglu's defense disturbed AKP Central Executive Committee member Metin Kulunk. Kulunk claimed that the trial had turned into a political show.

Kulunk accused Imamoglu of turning the courtroom into a rally and called on the Minister of Justice to take necessary precautions.

Imamoglu is being tried for allegations of irregularities in his university diploma. The trial has been postponed to October 20, 2025.

The trial of Imamoglu has brought the relationship between justice and politics in Turkey back into the spotlight, sparking significant public debate.