Hasan İmamoğlu: 'Ekrem does not want to be released before everyone else'

Hasan İmamoğlu, father of CHP's imprisoned presidential candidate and IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, made assessments regarding the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) case process and the hearings held in Silivri.

Describing the atmosphere in the courtroom as one of "courage and enthusiasm," İmamoğlu said that those on trial were displaying a fearless attitude. He stated that Ekrem İmamoğlu does not want to be released until all defendants are released, describing this as a "conscientious stance."

Hasan İmamoğlu shared his views on the process with Sözcü columnist Saygı Öztürk.

"THERE IS NO FEAR IN THE COURTROOM, THERE IS COURAGE"

-Although the hearings are not broadcast live on TRT, what happens in Silivri is being written about and told in the media. The nation hears what is going on. However, as the person closest to Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu, we would like to hear from you about what is happening in this process?

Things are happening, but they are not good things. One feels sad about it. They say "he made a very good defense" for Ekrem and for (Security Chief) Mustafa Akın. Yes, everything is clear... It is good, it is nice, but will the authorities who need to accept the facts being told actually accept them? We have no fear. Because people who have no guilt are fearless, they are courageous. We see this courage and fearlessness in everyone in the courtroom. There is something tremendous there; there is enthusiasm in everyone.

"THEY ARE ALL SEEKING THEIR RIGHTS TO THE END"

-How do you evaluate Mr. Ekrem's defenses?

Not everyone can be that brave. I attribute this to his character. He is doing whatever is necessary while respecting the law. It is not just my son Ekrem; they are all showing the same courage in this regard. They are all very brave, they are seeking their rights to the end. I would also like to say this, Mr. Saygı; we have moved past democracy in this country, and once there is no law, there is nothing to be done.

HARSH REACTION TO PROSECUTORS: "THESE WORDS ARE UNBECOMING"

-You have been following these courts and cases from the beginning. Has there been an interesting event that caught your attention?

One day, the prosecutor made a move. In my opinion, it was a very wrong move. He uttered words like "Don't look at me while you speak." Frankly, the judges are quite good, tolerant, and their attitudes are good. For example, they said, "Give Mr. Ekrem some water." I cannot say anything about the judges. However, the prosecutors... For example, one of them said things like, "You are overstepping your bounds, if you overstep your bounds, we will let you know your place." These are behaviors that do not befit prosecutors... Mr. Ekrem has given the necessary answer... He is giving it. And he is giving it with great weight. But as I said, others need to hear the real answer being given.

"RELEASE IS NOT NEAR, BUT EKREM DOES NOT WANT IT EITHER"

-Are you expecting a release?

Everyone makes their own interpretation, but I do not expect a release anytime soon. Besides, Ekrem does not want to be released before everyone else is released. He carries a conscientious responsibility in this regard. I think he is right.

"I WILL BE IN SILIVRI AGAIN IN MAY"

-Mr. Hasan, you haven't missed any hearings, have you?

I cannot go to some hearings. Why? Ekrem says, "Don't stay in Istanbul." He always says, "Get out of here." That is why I haven't been able to follow the hearings for the last week. But I will. I will be in Silivri again starting from the beginning of May.

"IT IS VERY DIFFICULT FOR A FATHER"

-As a father, you see your child in the defendant's chair, and you know that heavy sentences are being requested. How do you feel?

It is very difficult, but what can we do! We have no other way...

TRUSTEE MOVE: "THE PURPOSE IS SOMETHING ELSE"

-Trustees had been appointed to your companies. Is there any new development regarding that?

No, there isn't. They say, "It won't happen until Ekrem is released." Because the purpose is something else... Would you believe it, I have even forgotten about business life. I am not interested at all. Since we are in a place where there is so little law...