Istanbul mayor Imamoglu announces he will not attend hearings, discusses legal challenges

Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul’s Mayor and a key candidate for the presidency in Türkiye’s CHP party, spoke out about his legal challenges ahead of the pre-convention on March 23.

Imamoglu addressed that all his court hearings have been scheduled for the same day and speculated that this might be to avoid a large crowd gathering. Imamoglu clarified that he will not attend any of the trials, stating that the legal threats do not distract him from his focus.

He also criticized the recent wave of arrests and government pressures, calling for fair political competition.

Details

• Legal trials and scheduling: Imamoglu commented on the trial dates, where three hearings have been scheduled for the same day (April 11). He speculated that the authorities might have feared large crowds forming if the trials were held on different dates. Imamoglu, unfazed by the ongoing lawsuits, emphasized that he would not attend the trials and would leave his legal defense to his lawyers.
• Imamoglu’s response to potential political ban: Regarding the potential political ban, Imamoglu said that such threats only cloud the vision for the future, but they do not affect his concentration. He referred to similar threats during his 2019 candidacy and noted that despite them, he continued his political journey without hesitation.
• Imamoglu’s stance on the government: Imamoglu criticized the recent political climate, where arrests, media restrictions, and other forms of pressure are commonplace. He stressed that these actions harm Türkiye’s reputation and future progress, especially in terms of economic recovery. Imamoglu called on the government to fight with integrity and transparency, saying the people should be allowed to make an informed decision.

• Relationship with Mansur Yavas: Imamoglu also discussed his relationship with Ankara’s Mayor, Mansur Yavas, who has been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate. Imamoglu expressed his respect and admiration for Yavas, emphasizing their unity in working for Türkiye’s future. He stated, “We were side by side yesterday, we are side by side today, and I would be honored to be side by side tomorrow.” Imamoglu highlighted that their joint efforts are key to preparing a future where the Turkish people, particularly the youth, can live happier lives.

What’s next?

• Presidential candidacy decision: Imamoglu confirmed that the final decision on candidates will likely be made within the next week. He expressed his belief that the primary elections will be a turning point in Türkiye’s political landscape, especially in shifting the focus toward a more democratic system.
• Collaborations ahead: Once the presidential candidate is determined, Imamoglu mentioned that the next step would be to engage in talks with opposition parties, activists, and NGOs to further shape the future of Türkiye. He emphasized that the upcoming election would pave the way for a stronger parliamentary system with clear separation of powers.