20.03.2025 00:10
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce commented on the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, stating, "We can encourage Turkey to respect human rights and to address its internal affairs appropriately. We will not comment on the internal decision-making processes of another country."
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is conducting investigations against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and 99 suspects for the crimes of "being a leader of a criminal organization," "being a member of a criminal organization," "bribery," "corruption," "qualified fraud," "illegally obtaining personal data," and "interfering with a tender." Additionally, investigations have been initiated against İmamoğlu, IMM Deputy Secretary General Mahir Polat, and Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan, among 7 other suspects, for the crime of "aiding the PKK/KCK terrorist organization."
FIRST STATEMENT REGARDING İMAMOĞLU'S DETENTION FROM THE US At the end of a press conference held by US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, she was asked about İmamoğlu's detention. Bruce responded to the question, "Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's main rival İmamoğlu was detained in an investigation into corruption and aiding terrorism. Are you concerned? What is your assessment?" with a noteworthy answer.
US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce "WE WILL NOT COMMENT ON THE INTERNAL DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES OF ANOTHER COUNTRY" Bruce stated, "We can encourage Turkey to respect human rights and to address its internal affairs appropriately. We will not comment on the internal decision-making processes of another country. We remind that we expect them to pay attention in a manner that respects the rights of all citizens."