26.04.2025 20:10
An explanation has come from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) regarding the cameras being covered with tape by security before the meeting held by the arrested Ekrem İmamoğlu at the hotel. The IBB stated that in the past, some footage of İmamoğlu was shared without permission, and emphasized that "for this reason, special sensitivity is shown to the protection of personal data in the venues where meetings are held."
A new operation has been launched in the corruption investigation against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. It has been reported that detention orders have been issued for 53 individuals, and 50 people have been apprehended.
THE NAME WHO TAPED THE CAMERAS IN THE INVESTIGATION AGAINST IMM IS ALSO IN CUSTODY
As part of the investigation, footage has emerged showing that the cameras in the hotel where Ekrem İmamoğlu and other corruption suspects were meeting were taped by security personnel before the meeting. The footage shows that the security guard, Çağlar Türkmen, who taped the hotel security cameras to prevent the recording of İmamoğlu and individuals alleged to be 'money boxes', was also captured and taken into custody.
AN EXPLANATION FROM IMM HAS ARRIVED
Before İmamoğlu entered the hotel, a striking statement came from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality regarding the taping of security cameras. IMM stated that some of İmamoğlu's previous meetings had been leaked without permission, and for this reason, special sensitivity was shown to security measures.
"IT IS COMPLETELY NATURAL FOR İMAMOĞLU TO BE PROTECTED WITH EFFECTIVE SECURITY MEASURES"
In a statement made from the IMM Denial Twitter account, the following was stated: "The perception that is intended to be created through the last suitcase footage served to the press" is enough to explain why this application was made. In a crowded city like Istanbul, it is completely natural for a mayor who is in direct contact with many people in open areas to be protected with effective security measures. Ekrem İmamoğlu is a politician with a special protection decision. There are also 4 police officers assigned by the state in his security team.
"SPECIAL SENSITIVITY IS SHOWN DUE TO PAST EXPERIENCES"
Security measures aim not only to ensure personal protection but also to ensure public safety. Due to the experiences İmamoğlu has faced in the past (for example, the unauthorized leaking of hotel meetings and official dinners' CCTV recordings), special sensitivity is shown to the protection of personal data in the venues where he meets.
"THE HOTEL CAMERAS WERE NOT TURNED OFF, A TEMPORARY MEASURE WAS TAKEN"
The security team operates within the framework of the Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK) and relevant legislation, developing security measures based on lessons learned from past unlawful examples. Despite complaints regarding personal security and privacy, such as the leaking of İmamoğlu's CCTV recordings to the press, these have remained unresolved when reported to legal authorities. This situation has made it necessary to increase the existing security measures and adopt a more meticulous approach. In the last incident, the hotel's cameras were not turned off. A temporary measure was taken.
"PROFESSIONAL AND LEGAL PRACTICES"
All applications carried out have been conducted within the scope of routine security procedures and with a public safety awareness. The security measures for Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu are professional and legal practices taken against both personal threats and public safety risks. The measures taken aim to ensure the safety of the people of Istanbul and to allow the IMM President to carry out his duties without interruption. These practices, which are attempted to be portrayed differently to the public, serve to protect not only Ekrem İmamoğlu but all citizens in the environments he is in.
İMAMOĞLU TAPED THE CAMERA BEFORE COMING TO THE HOTEL
On the other hand, new evidence and footage that entered the investigation file show that at 08:48 on October 12, 2024, a person with a suitcase arrived at the hotel owned by Adnan Çebi, located in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul, and that security personnel arrived about 50 minutes before İmamoğlu met with suspects Tuncay Yılmaz, Ertan Yıldız, Adem Soytekin, Hüseyin Köksal, and Fatih Keleş.
In the footage, it is determined that the cameras observing the room where the meeting would take place were taped by the security personnel at 09:14, preventing any recording, and it shows the moments when Ekrem İmamoğlu arrived at 10:04. İmamoğlu is seen leaving at 11:29.
THE CLEAREST FOOTAGE SECONDS BY SECONDS ON CAMERAS
Before the critical meeting, at 08:48 on October 12, 2024, a black vehicle arrived at the entrance of the hotel, and then a person was seen getting out of the vehicle. The footage also reflects the moments when the individual, who later entered the frame with a suitcase, greeted the person alleged to be Ekrem İmamoğlu's bodyguard and entered the hotel.
Upon examination, it was found that the cameras were turned off 4 days before the meeting, and the moments of bringing the suitcases to the hotel on the day of the meeting, as well as the removal of the suitcases after the meeting and subsequently when Ekrem İmamoğlu left the hotel, were captured on footage.