11.03.2026 12:40
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that a change in the law is needed for the İBB trial to be broadcast live on television. Gürlek said, "Courtrooms are not a political arena. Political shows cannot be made here. Only trials are conducted in courtrooms."
The Minister of Justice, Akın Gürlek, made evaluations regarding the lawsuit against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM). Gürlek stated that there is no regulation in the current legislation for the live broadcasting of the trial, emphasizing that such an application could only be possible with a change in the law. He stressed that courtrooms are not a platform for political shows and that the trial will be conducted solely based on evidence.
"A CHANGE IN THE LAW IS REQUIRED FOR LIVE BROADCASTING"
Referring to the call of MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli for the live broadcasting of the IMM trial, Gürlek reminded that he had previously made a statement on this issue. He noted that the current legislation does not allow for the live broadcasting of hearings, saying, “A change in the law is required for live broadcasting. If the Parliament makes a regulation on this matter, it can be broadcasted live.”
Stating that the trial process in the IMM case is ongoing, Gürlek reminded that the case is being heard at the 40th Heavy Criminal Court.
"COURTROOMS ARE NOT A POLITICAL ARENA"
Emphasizing that political demonstrations will not be allowed in courtrooms, Gürlek stated that the trial is conducted within the framework of procedural rules. Gürlek said, “Courtrooms are not a political arena. Political shows cannot be held here. Only trials are conducted in courtrooms.”
Gürlek stated that the positions and statuses of individuals in court do not matter, and that judges and prosecutors address defendants solely as “the defendant.” He expressed, “In courtrooms, judges and prosecutors address as ‘defendant Ali’, ‘defendant Mehmet’, ‘defendant Ekrem’. They do not address as my mayor, my director.”
"COURTS CANNOT BE INFLUENCED OR GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS"
Reminding that courts conduct trials on behalf of the Turkish nation according to the Constitution, Gürlek stated that there can be no external interference in judicial processes. Gürlek said, “No one can influence, instruct, or give orders to the courts during the trial process. This needs to be emphasized particularly.”
Stating that procedural rules are valid in courts, Gürlek mentioned that the defense times of the defendants are determined by the court and that everyone defends according to this schedule. He expressed that Ekrem İmamoğlu will also make his defense within the framework of the day and procedure determined by the court.
“THE COURT DECIDES BASED ON THE EVIDENCE IN THE FILE”
Emphasizing that the order of the court must be maintained, Gürlek stated that it is not appropriate to make greeting speeches in the courtroom.
Recalling that he had previously served as the president of a heavy criminal court, Gürlek stated that courts will not be influenced by political statements, saying, “The court forms a moral conviction and makes a decision based on the material evidence in the file.”
THE IMM CASE IS TENSELY CONTINUING
During the first two days of the corruption trial against the IMM, tense moments occurred in the courtroom from time to time. On the first day, a discussion broke out between the presiding judge and the defendants and lawyers when Ekrem İmamoğlu wanted to greet those in the hall and take the floor; after the tension, the court panel temporarily left the hall, and the hearing was adjourned and then resumed. On the second day, while discussions occurred due to some lawyers' objections and protests, the court panel emphasized that the trial would only be conducted within the framework of procedure.