23.03.2025 13:21
Following the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges, the first statement came from CHP leader Özgür Özel. Özel stated that the possibility of appointing a trustee has been eliminated with İmamoğlu's release from the terrorism investigation, saying, "The request for arrest based on the terrorism allegation has been rejected. The possibility of appointing a trustee has been eliminated. Legal and social objections will be made to ensure the president quickly regains his freedom."
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CHP General Chairman Özgür Özel spoke for the first time after the arrest of İBB President Ekrem İmamoğlu. Özel made statements at the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan, together with Ekrem İmamoğlu's wife, Dilek İmamoğlu.
Özel stated regarding the decision, "Just a moment ago, Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was elected three times by 16 million Istanbulites, was arrested solely for defeating Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and because he will win again in the next election. But we are facing two setups. One of them was the terrorism allegation. The request for arrest from there was rejected. There is not even judicial control. However, an arrest warrant was issued from the file they refer to as the İmamoğlu Criminal Organization.
"AN APPEAL WILL BE MADE QUICKLY"
This is important in terms of eliminating the appointment of a trustee. However, appeals will be made for the president to quickly regain his freedom. These appeals are both legal appeals and social protests. The love of the people who have taken to the streets for Ekrem İmamoğlu for four days is not in vain.
"A DEPUTY MAYOR WILL BE ELECTED"
One will be elected from the municipal council as the İBB President. This deputy role will continue until Ekrem's innocence is proven or he is released.
The long queues coming from all over Turkey today, the images of those running in wheelchairs, and those climbing stairs with two canes show who is coming and who is going in this country. Ekrem President knows who set up this setup with high morale. Sooner or later, Ekrem İmamoğlu will come out of that ballot box. They cannot change this."
FIRST STATEMENT FROM DİLEK İMAMOĞLU
Dilek İmamoğlu stated, "Our forehead is high, our head is held high. The decision taken is political. There is no validity to an unjust and unlawful decision. All decisions taken are political. We will continue on our path," she said.
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