ANKARA – The judicial scrutiny on Istanbul’s imprisoned mayor intensified on Monday as prosecutors introduced fresh espionage charges against him. This move adds to the mounting legal challenges faced by the opposition figure, who is considered a formidable contender against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The recent allegations against Ekrem Imamoglu are linked to a probe initiated last week. This investigation explores possible connections between his political activities and a businessman, apprehended in July for allegedly conducting intelligence operations for foreign entities.

Alongside Imamoglu, the charges also extend to his ex-campaign manager, Necati Ozkan, and journalist Merdan Yanardag.

According to the state-owned Anadolu Agency, Imamoglu—currently detained under graft allegations—is accused of misusing Istanbul residents’ personal data to obtain international financial support for his political campaign.

Imamoglu took to social media to dismiss these claims as baseless, labeling them “nonsense.”

“Accusing me of something as far-fetched as burning down Rome would be more believable than this nonsense,” Imamoglu remarked. “Our fight against this mindset that is determined to compromise our nation’s future is now more resolute than ever.”

Hundreds of supporters had rallied outside Istanbul’s main courthouse on Sunday as Imamoglu was questioned by prosecutors. It was the first time Imamoglu had left Istanbul’s Marmara Prison, on the outskirts of Istanbul, in seven months.

Critics view Imamoglu’s arrest — along with those of other mayors from the main opposition Republican People’s Party, or CHP — as part of a broader crackdown on the opposition, which made significant gains in last year’s local elections. Several CHP-run municipalities have faced waves of arrests throughout the year.

Imamoglu’s arrest in March sparked nationwide protests. Erdogan’s government insists that Turkey’s judiciary is independent and that the investigations are strictly focused on corruption.