Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, imprisoned since March 19th, attended the second hearing today in a trial that threatens to ban him permanently from public office. The trial focuses on remarks made by the mayor at a conference in January towards Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Akın Gürlek.
 |
| Imprisoned Istanbul Mayor faces trial over alleged threats towards Istanbul Chief Prosecutor |
Following today’s brief meeting, İmamoğlu’s trial was delayed until July 16th by a judge.
In the brief hearing, İmamoğlu read a defense statement in which he lamented his continued detention and increasing pressure on the Turkish opposition:
“Our country is burning, the economy is in ruins, our people are hopeless, children are crying. But you are still intent on retribution. My image has been banned, my voice has been banned, and social media is blocked. But just know that you will never be able to erase me from the hearts of the people. The love will continue to grow!”
The mayor’s remarks referenced a ban on his Twitter account introduced in early May, as well as a ruling in late May that banned the mayor’s voice and likeness from being displayed in public transportation, following a previous ban on his appearance on posters and banners.
İmamoğlu’s Monday appearance in a courtroom at Istanbul’s Silivri Prison was attended by numerous opposition officials who cheered as he entered and exited the room. Additionally, members of the media were able to photograph the imprisoned mayor for the first time in months.
Özgür Özel, chairman of İmamoğlu’s Republican People’s Party (CHP), currently faces a similar investigation alleging he made threatening statements towards Gürlek at a recent political rally.
İmamoğlu has previously been faced with court cases threatening to ban him from political office. Following a decision to re-run Istanbul’s 2019 mayoral election, the mayor faced a court case after he allegedly referred to members of Turkey’s Supreme Election Council (YSK) as ‘fools’. A final ruling in this case is still pending following appeal.
Medyascope'u destekle. Medyascope'a abone ol.
Medyascope’u senin desteğin ayakta tutuyor. Hiçbir patronun, siyasi çıkarın güdümünde değiliz; hangi haberi yapacağımıza biz karar veriyoruz. Tıklanma uğruna değil, kamu yararına çalışıyoruz. Bağımsız gazeteciliğin sürmesi, sitenin açık kalması ve herkesin doğru bilgiye erişebilmesi senin desteğinle mümkün.
 |
| Imprisoned Istanbul Mayor faces trial over alleged threats towards Istanbul Chief Prosecutor |
Case focuses on remarks made my İmamoğlu in January
On January 20th, İmamoğlu attended a conference in Istanbul entitled ‘Modern Law and the Politicization of the Judiciary’. At the conference, the mayor made remarks criticizing the arrest of Cem Aydın, chair of the CHP’s youth wing. His comments criticized Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Akın Gürlek directly saying:
“You call Cem Aydın in for a statement and raid his home. Your aim is to intimidate the people. Chief Prosecutor, I am speaking to you directly: In order to save everyone including even your own children, we will uproot this system that governs you and remove it from the minds of the public.”
The indictment against the mayor characterizes these remarks as ‘targeting those engaged in the fight against terrorism’ and ‘attempting to influence judicial proceedings’.
Written/translated for Medyascope by Leo Kendrick
