Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who has been detained in connection with two criminal cases, has begun giving testimony, NTV reports. Imamoglu remains in custody in a security department facility.

Cases of corruption and collaboration with terrorists have been opened against him. During the testimony procedure, which could last until Sunday, a decision is expected to be made on his further detention.

The number of those arrested in these two cases has reached 90. Imamoglu and more than 100 Istanbul municipality employees and others are accused of embezzlement, bribery, money laundering, and rigged tenders.

Imamoglu is listed in the case files as the “leader of an organized crime group,” and, if convicted, he could face a long prison sentence.

Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP) which Imamoglu is a member of, calls these cases fabricated and an attempt by the Turkish authorities to remove the main rival of incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the presidential elections scheduled for 2028 in Turkey.