İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has sharply criticized the espionage investigation launched against him, calling the accusations “a complete fabrication” and “an insult to reason and justice.”
Speaking to reporters, İmamoğlu described the investigation as a politically motivated attempt to undermine him ahead of future elections. “This is such a slander that even the devil wouldn’t think of it,” he said, adding that the allegations were meant to “distract the public” and “weaken democratic institutions.”
The investigation reportedly concerns claims that some İBB employees gathered or shared confidential state information — allegations that İmamoğlu firmly denies. He emphasized that the municipality operates transparently and within the law, and that he and his team would “not be intimidated by baseless accusations.”
Opposition figures have voiced support for İmamoğlu, framing the investigation as another example of judicial pressure on opposition-led municipalities. Meanwhile, government officials have not issued a detailed statement regarding the case.
İmamoğlu concluded by reiterating his commitment to serving İstanbul’s citizens: “Our focus will remain on the city’s needs, not on political games.”
