Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu testifies in court following controversial remarks against prosecutor

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is set to testify at Caglayan Courthouse as part of two separate investigations launched over his remarks about Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akin Gurlek and a court-appointed expert witness involved in cases against the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).

Investigations against Imamoglu

The first investigation stems from Imamoglu‘s speech at the “Modern Law and the Politicization of the Judiciary” panel on Jan. 20, where he was accused of “targeting individuals involved in counterterrorism efforts” by making remarks about Gurlek.

Following these comments, prosecutors swiftly launched a second investigation on Jan. 27, after Imamoglu questioned the impartiality of a court-appointed expert witness involved in cases against CHP-affiliated municipalities, including Istanbul, Esenyurt and Besiktas.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that the second investigation concerns “attempting to influence judicial proceedings by publicly targeting an expert witness involved in certain investigations.”

Statements and legal backlash

During his Jan. 20 speech, Imamoglu directly addressed, stating: “Look, Chief Prosecutor, I am telling you: We will not be of any help to you. Your mindset is corrupt … We will remove the mentality governing you from the minds of this nation. Do not forget this.”

After these remarks, an investigation was promptly launched against him for allegedly targeting Gurlek and his family.

On Jan. 27, Imamoglu further criticized a specific expert witness who had played a role in legal cases concerning CHP-affiliated municipalities. He alleged that the same expert had repeatedly issued reports in cases involving IBB, Esenyurt, and Besiktas municipalities.

Judicial and political reactions

The investigations into Imamoglu have sparked significant political controversy.

• CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel condemned the move, stating: “We are facing a prosecutor specially assigned to cause unrest in Istanbul and target Imamoglu.”
• Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc defended the investigations, saying: “No one should be disturbed by the judiciary taking action against those making unlawful and criminal remarks against our Chief Prosecutor and judicial officials.”

In a social media post, Imamoglu denied any threats, stating: “Every word I used was a demand for impartial justice for the future of all children in this country. I stand by my words.”

Meanwhile, Akin Gurlek reportedly took leave this week, and the prosecutor initially assigned to take Imamoglu’s statement has been replaced.

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavas made a statement to journalists at Caglayan Courthouse, where he arrived to support Imamoglu.

“We do not believe that we are beyond investigation, but launching an investigation before someone even finishes speaking casts a shadow over the judiciary and the legal process,” Yavas said.

“Today, we are here in solidarity. We cannot be by his side inside, but we are showing that we stand with him,” he added.