Turkish opposition’s Istanbul mayor Imamoglu challenges political ban
Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu meets with his party's mayors, in Ankara, Türkiye, June 5, 2024. (AA Photo)
Main opposition Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has launched a legal challenge against the political ban imposed on him as part of a defamation lawsuit.
In a petition submitted to the Court of Appeal, Imamoglu requested that the case be escalated to the Constitutional Court.
Amid the ongoing legal proceedings, reportedly, Imamoglu reportedly made a significant legal move. Speaking on the Turkish news channel Halk TV, journalist Ismail Kucukkkaya revealed Imamoglu had filed a petition with the Court of Appeal, asserting that the initial court’s ruling violated the Constitution.
Imamoglu’s legal team is advocating for the case to be referred to the Constitutional Court.
What happened?
The lawsuit stems from allegations that Imamoglu insulted members of the Supreme Electoral Council during an appearance on a television program.
Imamoglu, who was sentenced to 2 years, 7 months and 15 days in prison, along with a political ban, commented on the ongoing appeal process.
‘The nation would rise’
“If the Court of Appeal convicts me, the government will not last long enough to see the Supreme Court ruling. This nation will rise in response. Any attempt to use the judiciary to interfere with the will of the people will lead to the downfall of this government before the Supreme Court even delivers its verdict,” he stated.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc responded to Imamoglu’s remarks, saying: “No one can wag a finger at the judiciary.” Imamoglu, in turn, clarified his stance, stating: “I wasn’t targeting the judiciary, I was addressing you.”
