IMM responds to claims that 'a funeral vehicle was used to attend a rally'!

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) has categorically denied allegations that a funeral transport bus belonging to the institution was used to transport citizens to a CHP rally in Yozgat.

In a statement issued by the IMM, it was emphasized that the funeral transport vehicle in question was not used to transport people to the rally. It was stated that the allegations do not reflect the truth.

The statement included the following remarks:

"On April 19, 2025, an unfounded photograph aimed at creating a false perception was shared on social media platforms, claiming that a funeral transport bus belonging to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) was transporting people to the CHP's rally in Yozgat.

The bus with license plate 34 ZC 7853, which is the subject of the post, is an official vehicle used for funeral transport services by the IMM Department of Cemeteries. This vehicle departed from Istanbul on April 18, 2025, at 21:30; it transported the funeral of our citizen named Zeynep DOĞRU and 42 of her relatives to Yozgat-Saraykent on the morning of April 19. Following the funeral ceremony held at noon, the vehicle set off on its return journey to Istanbul at 15:00.

It has been determined that the photograph in question was taken while our vehicle was stopped at a gendarmerie checkpoint at the exit of Saraykent. The fact that this photograph was subsequently circulated on social media in an organized manner via certain troll accounts clearly shows that the ground was prepared for a perception operation by certain circles.

The IMM provides uninterrupted and free funeral services to citizens. The allocation of ambulances and buses for burial procedures outside of Istanbul is a public service that has been carried out for years.

Using a funeral vehicle performing a public duty as material for politics in this way is a sign of disrespect for a citizen's grief and for public service. Legal proceedings will be initiated immediately against every person and institution that had negligence or involvement in this organized disinformation process.

Respectfully announced to the public."