17.04.2025 17:51
MHP General Chairman Chief Advisor Yıldıray Çiçek made notable statements following Bahçeli's remarks that "the court processes regarding İmamoğlu should be urgently discussed and concluded." Çiçek stated, "The allegations of 'corruption, bribery, and terrorism' directed at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality are being turned into a sensational issue on television. It is essential that these claims are proven with concrete evidence."
The Chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahçeli, spoke about the case in which Ekrem İmamoğlu was arrested in a written statement published on his X account on April 14.
Referring to Ekrem İmamoğlu's detention, street protests, and the CHP's calls for a boycott, Bahçeli stated, "The court processes regarding Ekrem İmamoğlu must be urgently reviewed and concluded. If the suspect Ekrem İmamoğlu is innocent, his acquittal must be ensured; if not, his punishment must be provided in accordance with public conscience as soon as possible."
"TRIALS MUST END WITH JUSTICE"
Following Bahçeli's remarks about Ekrem İmamoğlu, there are significant developments within the MHP. Bahçeli's chief advisor, Yıldıray Çiçek, made striking statements regarding İmamoğlu's arrest. Çiçek said, "The allegations of 'corruption, bribery, terrorism' directed at the İBB are being sensationalized on television. These claims must be proven with concrete evidence. Such trials should not be based on feelings and opinions but should be grounded in legal foundations. These types of cases must be concluded with justice without playing with anyone's honor, dignity, and reputation, without slander, without mixing in lies, and without creating an area of exploitation for anyone's political interests."
"BAHÇELİ'S STATEMENT IS BASED ON A RESPONSIBLE POLITICAL UNDERSTANDING"
The attempt to create a perception that "Bahçeli is talking about a possibility of acquittal" is clearly an attempt to twist the situation for personal gain. He has neither stated, as supporters of Ekrem İmamoğlu understand, that "İmamoğlu is innocent," nor has he called for "closing the case immediately," as some commentators have claimed. The main essence of Mr. Bahçeli's statement is this and is based on a responsible political understanding. No one should distort these statements for their own interests or obsessions.