11.04.2025 10:51
The first hearing of the case opened against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu due to his statements regarding Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek has begun. The trial is being held in the courtroom of the Marmara Open Penitentiary Institution in Silivri, where İmamoğlu faces a potential prison sentence of up to 7 years and 4 months, as well as being deprived of his right to vote and be elected, and being banned from public office.
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Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was removed from the presidency of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) and arrested, was subjected to an investigation on the grounds that he made threatening remarks against Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek and his family during a panel he attended.
UP TO 7 YEARS AND 4 MONTHS IN PRISON IS REQUESTED
In the indictment prepared as a result of the investigation, it is requested that İmamoğlu be sentenced to imprisonment ranging from 2 years and 8 months to 7 years and 4 months for the crimes of 'publicly insulting a public official due to his duty', 'threat', and 'targeting individuals who have participated in the fight against terrorism', as well as being deprived of the right to vote and be elected, and being banned from public office.
The trial of Ekrem İmamoğlu has begun within the scope of the prepared indictment. In the hearing held in the courtroom located within the Marmara Penal Institutions Campus by the Istanbul 14th Heavy Criminal Court, the detained defendant Ekrem İmamoğlu was present.
HIS WIFE DILEK İMAMOĞLU ALSO ATTENDED
Ekrem İmamoğlu's wife Dilek İmamoğlu, his son Selim İmamoğlu, members of parliament, mayor Sinem Dedetaş, and many spectators along with the lawyers of the parties also attended the hearing.
THE "TENDER FRAUD" CASE IS ALSO TODAY
On the other hand, as a result of the investigation initiated by the Ministry of Interior in 2023, a lawsuit was filed against İmamoğlu on the charge of "tender fraud". This tender case related to İmamoğlu's term as the Mayor of Beylikdüzü will also be heard today. In the ongoing case at the Büyükçekmece 10th Criminal Court of First Instance, it is requested that İmamoğlu be sentenced to imprisonment ranging from 3 to 7 years and that a political ban be imposed on him.
THE 3RD CASE TODAY IS ABOUT "COUNTING MONEY" FOOTAGE
Another case to be heard today is about the "counting money" footage allegedly recorded at the CHP Istanbul Provincial Presidency. As a result of the footage that emerged before the local elections on March 31, 22 people, including İmamoğlu's team members, are being tried on the charge of "collecting donations in violation of the law".
EXTENSIVE SECURITY MEASURES WERE TAKEN
Before the hearing, security measures were taken around the Marmara Penal Institutions Campus. As part of the measures, gendarmerie dogs were also kept on standby, and vehicle entries were controlled. It was learned that waiting was not allowed in the area opposite the courtroom.
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