CHP responds to Security Directorate's 'jammer' statement: 'It is not specific to İmamoğlu'

Bakan stated, "Similar protection measures have been taken and signal jammer devices have been used for all individuals who have served as the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in the past. This practice is not specific to Mr. İmamoğlu; there is no question of a personal privilege or an arbitrary practice."

In a post on his social media account, Murat Bakan reminded that an official protection order based on a terror threat was issued for Ekrem İmamoğlu by the Istanbul Governor's Office.

Bakan stated the following:

"Following the statement made by the General Directorate of Security regarding the use of signal jammers and the reports in some media outlets concerning our Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu, the need has arisen for this statement to be made by the CHP Deputy Chairmanship responsible for Internal Affairs in order to correctly inform the public.

First and foremost, it must be emphasized that there is an official protection order issued by the Istanbul Governor's Office for Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu based on a terror threat. Mr. İmamoğlu is protected by the state on a 24/7 basis and is under a continuous and serious security threat. This situation has also been acknowledged by the official authorities of the state; the protection of Mr. İmamoğlu's right to life has been affirmed as a constitutional obligation.

Furthermore, it should be recalled that similar protection measures have been taken and signal jammer devices have been used for all individuals who have served as the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in the past. This practice is not specific to Mr. İmamoğlu; there is no question of a personal privilege or an arbitrary practice. Pursuant to Article 17 of the Constitution, the right to life is the foundation of all rights and freedoms. No administrative action or technical regulation can constitute an obstacle to the protection of the right to life.

In this context, the use of jammers, which is being discussed by the public, has been carried out only in areas where Mr. İmamoğlu is present, for limited time periods, and as a measured and proportionate protection precaution. No situation has occurred that effectively violates the communication freedom of other individuals; to date, no citizen complaints or communication grievances have been recorded regarding this matter.

In light of all these facts, we underline once again: the protection of the right to life is the state's highest priority responsibility within the framework of the constitutional and universal legal order. Reasonable, measured, and limited measures taken to ensure the security of a public official for whom the state has issued an official protection order are lawful and cannot be criticized. Practices carried out within this framework do not constitute a crime under the Turkish Penal Code; because they both aim to protect a superior constitutional right and there is no concrete violation of the rights of others.

We will continue to stand firmly by justice, rights, and human life against mindsets that attempt to harm the most sacred values, such as the right to life, by politicizing the law. Respectfully announced to the public."