Former President Gul highlights rule of law on Imamoglu probe

Former Turkish President Abdullah Gul spoke out regarding the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. In an interview with Mehmet Ocaktan of Karar newspaper, Gul remarked, “What was done to President Tayyip Erdogan and myself in the past should not be done to Ekrem Imamoglu.”

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office continues its investigation into Imamoglu and dozens of others, charging them with a range of serious offenses, including being leaders of a criminal organization, membership in a criminal organization, bribery, qualified fraud, illegal acquisition of personal data, and interfering with tenders. The investigation has sparked widespread attention, both within Türkiye and abroad.

‘I am watching the process with concern’

Gul began his remarks by stating that he was closely following the recent developments, particularly the detention of Imamoglu and several others. He expressed concern about the process, which has gained significant attention both inside and outside Türkiye, including extensive coverage in the international media.

“It is truly distressing to see this situation unfold,” he said, emphasizing that, despite the economic challenges, the country had started to see a recovery. “The confidence in the economic reform program had been increasing, and despite the large problems left by the previous government, there was talk of a potential recovery. We were starting to build a new atmosphere of trust.”

In addition to the economic situation, Gul highlighted political developments in Türkiye. “We were entering a period of critical political developments, during which there was a chance to embrace a language of consensus and dialogue.”

He reminded his audience of his past support for the peace process, calling it a historical step. “I had previously expressed my clear support for the ‘peace process.’ The possibility of overcoming a 40-year-long problem with strategic steps was something that filled us all with hope.”

On the foreign policy front, Gul pointed out that Türkiye’s geopolitical significance had been recognized anew, both in Europe and beyond. “However, as I have always said, if our home is strong, we can project that strength outward. Otherwise, we risk missing out on historic opportunities.”

Gul stressed that internal political turbulence would harm Türkiye’s long-term progress. “Unfortunately, recently, there has been turbulence within our house. With nearly three years to go before the next elections, it is counterproductive to remain in such a state of turmoil, when political dialogue and solutions could resolve some of these problems.”

‘We cannot afford to turn back the clock’

Reflecting on past injustices, Gul recalled the unfair treatment that had been directed at both President Erdogan and himself, noting how the public conscience had rejected those actions. “The public did not accept the injustices done to President Erdogan and myself. Similarly, such mistakes should not be made against Ekrem Imamoglu, who was democratically elected as mayor.”

He cautioned against repeating past mistakes, saying, “We cannot afford to turn back the clock and relive those difficulties. There is no need for any actions that could lay the groundwork for such a situation.”

Gul stated that such political turbulence would benefit neither the ruling government nor the opposition. “No one benefits from these types of political storms in Türkiye. The rule of law and fairness must not be lost. If we lose those, Türkiye will lose.”

‘Rule of law must prevail’

While acknowledging that legal matters should be handled in accordance with the law, Gul emphasized that legal procedures should align with universal principles. “We must remember that the legal reforms we implemented were meant for such situations,” he said. “Otherwise, today’s problems will become tomorrow’s burdens.”

Gul warned against tactical steps that could become obstacles in the long run. “There is no benefit in escalating tensions between the government and the opposition. This situation is not sustainable,” he added.

Looking ahead to the upcoming elections, Gul argued that it would be unwise to engage in a political style dominated by conflict. “With so much time before the next elections, it is unnecessary to pursue a political strategy based on a language of conflict. We cannot predict what the future holds.”