23.03.2025 08:40
After the judicial inquiry, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, who met with Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) President Ekrem İmamoğlu, stated, "He prepared his family for the worst, but he sees that this process has led to a great awakening for Turkey. He said he is strong and wants everyone to be strong."
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is conducting investigations against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) President Ekrem İmamoğlu and 99 suspects for the crimes of "being a leader of a criminal organization," "being a member of a criminal organization," "bribery," "qualified fraud," "illegally obtaining personal data," and "interfering with a tender." Additionally, investigations have been initiated against İmamoğlu, IMM Deputy Secretary General Mahir Polat, Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan, and 7 other suspects for the crime of "aiding the PKK/KCK terrorist organization."
İMAMOĞLU'S INTERROGATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED
After his statement was taken at the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan, İmamoğlu was referred to the duty magistrate court with a request for arrest for the crimes of "establishing a criminal organization," "interfering with a tender," and "receiving bribes" as part of the corruption investigation, and for the crime of "aiding an armed terrorist organization" as part of the terrorism investigation. His interrogation has been completed.
HE MADE A DEFENSE THAT LASTED 2 HOURS
Ekrem İmamoğlu made a defense that lasted approximately 2 hours, starting with identity verification. The decision is expected to be announced collectively after the procedures of the other suspects are completed.
THEY MET AFTER THE JUDICIAL INTERROGATION
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel and Dilek İmamoğlu held a 5-6 minute meeting with IMM President Ekrem İmamoğlu after the judicial interrogation.
"HE PREPARED HIS FAMILY FOR THE WORST"
After the meeting, Özel made statements to the press, sharing İmamoğlu's message with the public. Özel stated, "He prepared his family for the worst, but he said he saw that this process would lead to a great awakening for Turkey. He said he was strong and wanted everyone to be strong."