Third court hearing in Istanbul espionage case

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, journalist Merdan Yanardag, Necati Ozkan, and Huseyin Gon appeared in court today for the third time in what has become known as the "espionage case."

The four defendants completed their defense submissions during previous hearings, and the public prosecutor is expected to present today its formal brief regarding the continuation or release of their detention — a crucial procedural step that will determine the course of the case in the coming phase.

This case carries significant political weight in Turkey, as Imamoglu is regarded as one of the most prominent opposition figures and heads one of the country's largest municipalities. Broad political and human rights circles are watching closely the outcome of today's hearing, amid escalating domestic and international attention to the trial's developments and their potential impact on the Turkish political landscape.