Breaking News: Ekrem İmamoğlu begins giving testimony after 5-hour wait!
Tense hours are expected in front of the Çağlayan Courthouse for detained Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is scheduled to give testimony today as part of an espionage investigation. CHP leader Özgür Özel announced he would go to the courthouse, stating, "I will stand behind my presidential candidate." Meanwhile, the Istanbul Governor's Office has imposed a ban on demonstrations in 4 districts, citing potential protests.
CHP's detained presidential candidate and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who has been held at Silivri Prison since March 23, is set to give testimony today at 11:00 AM at the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan as part of an 'espionage' investigation launched against him.
CHP leader Özgür Özel, regarding the summons for İmamoğlu's testimony, stated last night: "I am returning to Turkey immediately. I will be at the Çağlayan Courthouse tomorrow morning at 11:00 AM. I will stand behind my presidential candidate."
CHP BUS DENIED ENTRY
While CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Özgür Çelik also announced he would be at Çağlayan, police did not allow the CHP bus to enter the square in front of the courthouse last night.
Istanbul MP Ali Gökçek and Ankara MP Umut Akdoğan were also in the vehicle.
BAN IN 4 DISTRICTS BY GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
On the other hand, the Istanbul Governor's Office has decided to ban demonstrations in the Beyoğlu, Bayrampaşa, Kağıthane, and Şişli districts to prevent protests.
In the Governor's Office statement, it was reported that, based on information obtained during the Provincial Security Directorate's "virtual patrol activities," it was determined that various groups were preparing for "illegal gatherings, marches, and protests."
POLICE BARRICADES INCREASED
Police barricades in front of Çağlayan are being increased at points near the metrobus station where citizens are arriving. Citizens continue to gather in front of the party bus.
İMAMOĞLU AT THE COURTHOUSE
İmamoğlu was brought to the Çağlayan Courthouse as of 10:55 AM. Dilek Kaya İmamoğlu and Selim İmamoğlu also arrived at the courthouse.
As of 11:08 AM, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel also arrived at the courthouse.
LIST OF 12 PEOPLE
It was learned that there is a list of 12 people, including party officials and Özgür Özel, and that only those individuals, excluding the press, would be allowed inside.
It was reported that there is no entry or exit to the 7th floor, where İmamoğlu will give his testimony.
According to the report on Halk TV, İmamoğlu sent a message to the citizens, saying: "Our fellow citizens of Istanbul gathered in Çağlayan despite the ban! I thank them all."
İMAMOĞLU KEPT WAITING FOR HOURS
Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was brought to the courthouse at 10:55 AM, has been waiting to give his testimony for 4 hours. No explanation has been provided so far regarding the reason for the delay.
NOT ALLOWED TO MEET WITH HIS LAWYERS
According to reports by Cumhuriyet, it was learned that IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who has been waiting for hours to give his testimony, is not being allowed to meet with his lawyers.
BEGINS GIVING TESTIMONY
According to the latest information obtained, İmamoğlu has begun giving his testimony after a 5-hour wait.