Ekrem Imamoglu’s trial postponed to June 16
Ekrem Imamoglu gestures as he delivers a speech on stage during his repeated political campaign coordination meeting on May 22, 2019 in Istanbul. (AFP Photo)
The first hearing in the case against former Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, brought over his public remarks about Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akin Gurlek, was held on Friday at the Marmara Open Penal Institution courthouse in Silivri.
The court adjourned the trial to June 16, Monday, following a short recess.
The hearing, initially scheduled to be held at the 14th High Criminal Court in the Istanbul Courthouse, was moved due to the courtroom’s insufficient capacity. It took place at Courtroom No. 2 within the Marmara penal complex.
Attendees included Imamoglu’s legal team, his wife Dilek Imamoglu, representatives from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), the lawyer representing Prosecutor Gurlek, and Imamoglu himself, who is currently held in pre-trial detention as part of another ongoing case.
‘I entrust myself to high Turkish judiciary’: Imamoglu
During his defense, former Mayor Imamoglu questioned the basis of the charges, referencing past political trials and expressing concern about the judicial process:
I am here today, and I can’t help but ask myself: ‘Why am I here?’ And honestly, the answer is not difficult to find. I’m worried. This reminds me of the Ergenekon trials, where I witnessed firsthand the suffering of innocent people and their families. Those experiences shaped my political consciousness. What began as a speech I gave at a panel on January 20 has now brought me here to Silivri, which validates my concerns.
Former Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu
He continued: “I stand before you not only as the mayor of Istanbul—one of the oldest and most important cities in the world—but also as someone who has won three elections. I’m also here because I intend to run for president before the 86 million people of Türkiye. What I’m experiencing here is deeply disappointing. I am targeted because I serve the people of Istanbul, because I strive for better public services, more preschools, and fairer opportunities.”
“This political atmosphere in Türkiye—where those working for the public good are dragged into court—is a cause for concern. Even the worst offenders aren’t subjected to such treatment. I love every child in this country, regardless of their background. Yes, I made that speech. And within minutes, I was shown news headlines saying an investigation was opened against me. This is the political climate we are in.”
Imamoglu also addressed the charges of threatening and insulting a public official.
“I’ve never made threats in my life. I simply requested a meeting with the Chief Prosecutor, which was denied for weeks. I made a public statement, an expression of opinion, protected under freedom of speech. How can this be considered a threat or a criminal insult?”
Ekrem Imamoglu
He concluded: “I entrust myself to the high Turkish judiciary and believe in justice. I believe this process will end fairly.”
Interim ruling and next hearing date
Following a five-minute recess, the court announced its interim decision. It accepted Prosecutor Gurlek’s lawyer’s request to join the case as a complainant regarding the charges of “threat” and “public insult.” However, the court rejected the application on the charge of “targeting individuals involved in anti-terror operations,” stating that Gurlek was not directly harmed by this alleged offense.
The next hearing has been scheduled for June 16, Monday.
