Massive Graft Case: Istanbul Mayor Faces 2,000-Year Prison Threat

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is facing a potential sentence exceeding 2,000 years for corruption charges. The case implicates Imamoglu and 401 others in a network causing an alleged $3.81 billion loss to the Turkish state over a decade. The mayor and his party deny the allegations.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu could face over 2,000 years in prison if convicted on corruption charges brought against him by a Turkish prosecutor. The mayor has been detained since March while awaiting his trial.

The indictment from the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's office alleges that Imamoglu and 401 others played roles in a graft network that cost Turkey 160 billion lira, equivalent to $3.81 billion, over a span of 10 years.

Despite the accusations, Imamoglu and his primary opposition party have consistently denied any wrongdoing. The equivalent value of the Turkish lira is noted as $1 equaling 41.9551 liras.

(With inputs from agencies.)