Another investigation launched into Ekrem İmamoğlu: Inquiry into municipal daycares

Protests continued for the release of İmamoğlu, who was detained in a dawn raid on his home on March 19. According to a message published on İmamoğlu's social media account, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched a new investigation into him. It was announced that the investigation concerns the İBB daycares opened during İmamoğlu's term.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office was already conducting investigations into İmamoğlu on charges of leading a terrorist organization and aiding a terrorist organization. The investigations, which CHP Chairman Özgür Özel described as 'political,' have sparked protests across Turkey. By launching a separate investigation into the İBB daycares, the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has added another to the judicial processes against İmamoğlu.

In a post on İmamoğlu's X account sharing information about the new investigation, the following statements were used:

''An investigation has been launched against me for opening daycares. I would have liked to give a statement, but I am currently in detention; otherwise, I would have gladly defended the daycares we built for the children of this city with all my might. We will continue to commit the crime of opening daycares. I entrust the daycares of our children, who are our future, to our nation.''

An investigation has been launched against me for opening daycares. I would have liked to give a statement, but I am currently in detention; otherwise, I would have gladly defended the daycares we built for the children of this city with all my might. We will continue to commit the crime of opening daycares. I entrust the daycares of our children, who are our future, to our nation…

— Ekrem İmamoğlu (@ekrem_imamoglu) March 21, 2025

INVESTIGATIONS INTO İMAMOĞLU

Following İmamoğlu's detention on allegations of aiding a terrorist organization, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an additional investigation into activities carried out under the name of 'city consensus.' Following these developments, claims that a trustee could be appointed to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality were brought to the agenda. It was alleged that the Ministry of Interior is conducting work in this direction.

Within the scope of the investigation, in addition to İmamoğlu, high-level figures within the municipality were also detained. It was reported that detention warrants were issued for İBB Deputy Secretary General Mahir Polat, Şişli Mayor Resul Ekrem Şahan, Reform Institute President Mehmet Ali Çalışkan, and Şişli Deputy Mayor Ebru Özdemir on similar charges. It was stated that these individuals are accused of aiding a terrorist organization.

According to political rumors from Ankara, the appointment of a trustee to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has also come to the agenda. Claims that the Ministry of Interior is making preparations in this regard have led to reactions from opposition politicians.

News Source: 12punto