FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Ekrem Imamoglu, the current mayor of Istanbul and one of the most prominent figures in Turkey's opposition, faces a trial today on charges of threatening a public prosecutor. The trial is part of a series of legal charges that could lead to harsh punishments for him, including imprisonment and a ban on participating in political life.
Imamoglu, who has won three terms as mayor of Turkey's largest city, appeared in court at a high-security prison outside Istanbul. He could face up to seven years and four months in prison and a full ban from public office, according to the charges. The trial has been postponed until June 16, raising concerns about his rights, particularly the lack of a public trial.
During his defense, former mayor Imamoglu questioned the basis of the charges, referring to past political trials and expressing concern about the rigged trial against him. He further added that the reason why this was happening was because he had won three elections against Erdogan and because he would run for president in the upcoming elections.
“I am here today and I cannot help but ask myself: ‘Why am I here?’ And honestly, the answer is not hard to find, I am worried. It reminds me of the Ergenekon trials, where I witnessed firsthand the suffering of innocent people and their families. Those experiences shaped my political conscience. What started as a speech I gave at a panel on January 20 has now brought me here in Silivri, which validates my concerns. 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 am also here because I intend to run for president in front of the 86 million people of Turkey. What I am experiencing here is deeply disappointing. I am being targeted because I serve the public of Istanbul better, and provide fairer services and opportunities ,” said Ekrem Imamoglu.
The mayor of Istanbul further stated that this type of treatment is not given even to the biggest criminal in the country, adding that this clearly shows the political climate in the country.
“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 am also here because I intend to run for president in front of the 86 million people of Turkey. What I am experiencing here is deeply disappointing. I am being targeted because I serve the public of Istanbul better, and provide fairer services and opportunities. This political atmosphere in Turkey – where those who work for the public good are dragged to court – is a cause for concern. Even the worst offenders are not subjected to such treatment. I love every child in this country, regardless of their background. Yes, I made that speech. And within minutes they showed me the headlines saying that an investigation had been opened against me. This is the political climate we are in ,” he added.
Regarding the accusations of threatening the prosecutor in the case, Imamoglu said there was nothing of the sort, but argued that he had simply expressed his opinion, which is allowed by freedom of expression. He concluded his speech before the court by saying that he believed in justice and that justice would be served in the end.
" I have never made threats in my life. I simply requested a meeting with the Chief Prosecutor, which was refused for weeks. I made a public statement, an expression of opinion, protected by freedom of speech. How can this be considered a threat or a criminal insult? I trust the Turkish high judiciary and I trust in justice. I believe that this process will end with justice ," he concluded.
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