06.05.2026 23:13
The fifth hearing will be held today in the lawsuit filed over alleged irregularities at CHP’s 38th Ordinary Congress. In the case where 12 defendants, including Ekrem İmamoğlu, Özgür Çelik, and Cemil Tugay, are being tried, witness statements are expected to be taken.
In the case filed alleging irregularities at the 38th Ordinary Congress of the Republican People's Party (CHP), all eyes are on today's hearing. At the hearing to be held in Ankara, 12 defendants, including suspended and arrested Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Özgür Çelik, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay, and former Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat, will appear before the judge.
In the case, the defendants are accused of committing the crime of "election fraud," and they face up to 3 years in prison.
KILIÇDAROĞLU IS LISTED AS A "VICTIM" IN THE CASE
In the investigation launched after a criminal complaint by former Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Lütfü Savaş and some CHP delegates, former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is also listed as a "victim" in the case.
While witnesses are expected to be heard in today's hearing, it is believed that the court may issue new interim decisions in the coming process.
THE CASE WAS ADJOURNED AT THE LAST HEARING
The last hearing in the case was held on April 1. The court decided to hear the testimony of defendant Özgen Nama at the next session and adjourned the hearing to May 6.
Ahead of the hearing expected to begin in the coming hours, there is also activity in political circles.
HOW DID THE CASE PROCESS BEGIN?
The basis of the case is the CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress held on November 4-5, 2023, and the 21st Extraordinary Congress held on April 6, 2025.
Former Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Lütfü Savaş and some delegates filed lawsuits in different courts, alleging that the congress process was tainted. While claims that delegates' votes were directed in exchange for bribes were brought to court, the cases were later merged at the Ankara 42nd Civil Court of First Instance.
"ABSOLUTE NULLITY" DEBATES
One of the most debated topics in the case process has been the allegations of "absolute nullity." The plaintiffs argue that the delegates' will was corrupted by bribery and irregularities at the congress and demand that the election results be considered null and void.
The plaintiffs also claim that if the congress is deemed invalid, former Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu should return to office.