Turkish President Hosts NATO While Removing Political Rival from Courtroom

Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu—President Erdoğan's main political opponent—was forced to leave a corruption court hearing on July 8, the same day Erdoğan welcomed NATO leaders to the capital. The case involves over 400 people accused of crimes. European observers worry the trial isn't transparent: media access is limited, and they question whether defendants are getting a fair hearing.