İmamoğlu's response to Minister Tunç's 'finger-wagging' remark: 'Those like you who influence the judiciary...'

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu used the phrase 'Bring it on' in a statement regarding the ongoing 'Ahmak (Fool) Case' against him.

Responding to İmamoğlu's words, Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç said, "No one can wag their finger at the judiciary. It is inappropriate behavior. You cannot go out there and influence members of the judiciary by wagging your finger."

"I DID NOT WAG MY FINGER AT THE JUDICIARY"

İmamoğlu's response to Minister Tunç was swift.

Stating, "I did not wag my finger at the judiciary, I wagged it at you," İmamoğlu added, "I wagged my finger at members of the government like you who influence the judiciary. That finger is not my finger, it is the finger of the nation, and its place is the ballot box; you will be forced to go to the ballot box. You will be forced to go before the Court of Cassation even issues a verdict."

WHAT HAPPENED?

IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu had reacted during a television broadcast to allegations that he would be banned from politics in the 'Ahmak' case, which is currently in the appellate process.

Regarding the case in which he was sentenced to 2 years, 7 months, and 15 days in prison for "insulting a public official due to their duty," İmamoğlu had said, "Bring it on. Are you going to hand down a sentence? Go ahead and do it. I promise you: This nation will rise up. This nation will not even give you the time until the Court of Cassation makes a decision; it will send you home. The method for that is clear. An early election will come."

Minister Tunç, in turn, responded to İmamoğlu's words by saying, "It does not suit anyone to make threatening remarks directed at a case that is currently being heard. No one can wag their finger at the judiciary. It is inappropriate behavior. You cannot threaten members of the judiciary by going on television programs and waving your arms around. Judicial decisions can certainly be criticized. After the judiciary makes a decision, criticism helps the judiciary reach the most perfect outcome. You cannot go out there and influence members of the judiciary by wagging your finger."