İBB main criminal case: detention and fair trial

Timeline

1. Dec 1, 2025

   Case filed

   Indictment accepted in the main İBB case

   The broad indictment against İmamoğlu and many defendants was accepted and the first hearing was set for March 9, 2026.

2. Mar 9, 2026

   Hearing held

   Main İBB criminal case began

   The first hearing began on March 9, 2026 at the courtroom in the Marmara Prison complex.

3. Mar 23, 2026

   Other

   Hearing-access and publicity concerns were raised

   Concerns were reported about courtroom access, observer and press admission, defence rights, and publicity of the trial.

4. May 21, 2026

   Interim order issued

   Nine defendants were released at the 41st hearing

   On May 21, 2026 the court ordered the release of nine defendants while the main case continued.