Breaking News: First statement from Ekrem İmamoğlu after investigation launched against him!

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu is under investigation following remarks he made today during a program regarding Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek and his family.

İmamoğlu made his first statement following the launch of the investigation.

"I STAND BY MY WORDS"

Sharing a post on his X account, İmamoğlu stated the following:

"The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor has launched an investigation against me on the grounds that I threatened him and his family. There is not a single word of threat in my speech. Especially, I did not and would not threaten anyone through their family and children. Every word I used was a demand for impartial justice for everyone's children and future in this country. I stand by my words. Justice for everyone, always. I leave the Chief Public Prosecutor, who derived a claim of threat from this, to God and the conscience of the nation."

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor has launched an investigation against me on the grounds that I threatened him and his family. There is not a single word of threat in my speech. Especially, I did not and would not threaten anyone through their family and children. Every word I used was a demand for impartial justice for everyone's children and future…

— Ekrem İmamoğlu (@ekrem_imamoglu) January 20, 2025

"WORDS CONSTITUTING A THREAT"

In a statement from the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was noted, "An ex officio investigation has been launched against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu for the crimes of 'Threat' and 'Targeting individuals involved in counter-terrorism' due to his words constituting a threat against Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Mr. Akın Gürlek and his family during a program he attended today (20/01/2025)."

SUPPORT FOR İMAMOĞLU FROM MANSUR YAVAŞ

Support for IMM Mayor İmamoğlu came from Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Mayor Mansur Yavaş.

Quoting İmamoğlu's tweet, Yavaş noted the following:

"Where is the 'threat' in Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu talking about the legal system he wishes to see in the future; it is impossible to understand?

This investigation decision creates the impression that the Chief Public Prosecutor is effectively turning the incident from a legal matter into a personal one. The meaning of this is 'do not talk about me.' In terms of law, this situation is unacceptable."

Where is the 'threat' in Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu talking about the legal system he wishes to see in the future; it is impossible to understand?

This investigation decision creates the impression that the Chief Public Prosecutor is effectively turning the incident from a legal matter into a personal one. The meaning of this is 'do not talk about me.'... https://t.co/FTiZqJ9oEE

— Mansur Yavaş 2025 (@mansuryavas23) January 20, 2025

WHAT DID İMAMOĞLU SAY?

Reacting to the de facto detention process targeting CHP Youth Branch President Cem Aydın, IMM Mayor İmamoğlu had said, "You summon him for a so-called statement, and you raid his house with 7-8 police officers. Your goal is to intimidate the nation. Chief Prosecutor, I am telling you; we will be of no use to you, your mind is rotten... We will rip out the mind that governs you from the mind of this nation, even to save your own children. We will rip it out so that no one shows up at your children's door. Let us ensure peace for your home and your children, even for you."

News Source: 12punto