Imamoglu in Silivri before the judge
The first court session regarding the statements of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul (IBB), about the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor, Akin Gürlek, has begun. Imamoglu’s initial remarks were as follows: “Years ago, I followed the fabricated Ergenekon trial in this courtyard. Today, I have been imprisoned for defeating the will that said ‘Whoever wins Istanbul wins Turkey’.”
Charges and demands for punishment
Ekrem Imamoglu, who was dismissed from his position as the mayor of Istanbul and arrested, has been prosecuted due to threatening remarks made during a panel about the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor, Akin Gürlek, and his family. In the prepared indictment, Imamoglu has been accused of “publicly insulting a public official because of his duties,” “threatening,” and “targeting individuals involved in the fight against terrorism,” resulting in a sentence of 2 years and 8 months to 7 years and 4 months in prison, along with deprivation of the right to vote and to be elected, as well as a ban from performing public duties.
Presence in court
Imamoglu’s court session was held in the courtroom located in the Marmara prison complex, and the defendant was present at the session. His wife, Dilek Imamoglu, his son, Selim Imamoglu, members of parliament, Mayor Sinem Dedetas, along with numerous spectators and lawyers from both sides, also attended the session.
Other cases
Additionally, another case related to the charge of “interference in bidding,” initiated by the Ministry of Interior in 2023, will be reviewed today. This case pertains to Imamoglu’s tenure as the mayor of Beylikdüzü and is being examined in the 10th Criminal Court of Büyükçekmece. In this case, it has been requested that Imamoglu be sentenced to 3 to 7 years in prison and face a political ban.
The third case: Images of money counting
Another case being reviewed today pertains to alleged images of money counting in the Istanbul Republican People’s Party office. As a result of these images, which were released on the eve of the March 31 local elections, 22 individuals, including Imamoglu’s associates, are being prosecuted on charges of “illegal fundraising.”
Extensive security measures
Prior to the court session, security measures were implemented around the Marmara prison complex. These measures included the readiness of gendarmerie dogs and controlled vehicle entry. It was also announced that gatherings in front of the courtroom would not be permitted.
