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İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu appeared at the Çağlayan Courthouse to give testimony in two separate investigations regarding his remarks about İstanbul’s chief public prosecutor and a court-appointed expert.
One investigation accuses İmamoğlu of “marking a counterterrorism official as a target for terror groups” over statements he made about the chief prosecutor Akın Gürlek. The other charges him with “attempting to influence the judiciary” following his disclosure of the expert witness’s involvement in multiple investigations targeting municipalities led by his Republican People’s Party (CHP).
Gürlek has presided over several high-profile political cases in recent years. The CHP has accused him of aligning with the government’s political agenda. On Jan 20, İmamoğlu made a pointed statement directed at Gürlek, saying, “We will uproot the mindset that your methods and practices represent from every corner of this country.”
A few days later, on Jan 27, İmamoğlu publicly revealed that an expert witness, identified by the initials S.B., had been assigned to several investigations into CHP-run municipalities. He suggested that this was politically motivated.
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Hundreds of CHP members and supporters gathered outside the courthouse to express support for İmamoğlu as the mayor, accompanied by his lawyers, began his testimony.
Support from Ankara mayor
Numerous CHP members, including Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, accompanied İmamoğlu to the courthouse to show their support. Large crowds of citizens also gathered outside the courthouse.
Police maintained a strong presence around the area. Armored vehicles, riot control vehicles, and patrol officers were stationed near the courthouse entrance and surrounding blocks.
Addressing the media briefly outside the courthouse, Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş voiced his support for İmamoğlu and emphasized the importance of an independent judiciary.
“I don’t believe there is any justification for filing a case against İmamoğlu. I hope that from now on, the legal system operates as it should. For the good of our country, the judiciary must remain impartial and not take orders from politicians,” Yavaş said.
He also highlighted the broader impact of a politicized judiciary, stating, “A lack of trust in the legal system undermines confidence in the country, deters investment, and weakens the economy. More justice means more democracy, more jobs, and more opportunities. If the rule of law continues to weaken, both our economy and values will collapse.”
“I trust that we will eventually reach a time when the judiciary and the separation of powers function properly. I thank you all,” Yavaş concluded. (AD/VK)