New development in İmamoğlu's 'expert witness case': Prepayment made
In the trial of Ekrem İmamoğlu, known publicly as the "expert witness case," the prepayment indicated by the court has been completed. Following this development, the case is expected to be dismissed, and the previously scheduled hearing is not expected to take place.
12punto
A new development has occurred in the expert witness case involving CHP's imprisoned presidential candidate and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
It has been reported that prior to the verdict hearing, İmamoğlu's lawyers fulfilled the prepayment requirement specified by the court.
PREPAYMENT COMPLETED
According to information provided by journalist Muratcan Altuntoprak, the case is expected to be dismissed following the completion of the prepayment. For this reason, it was stated that the hearing scheduled for July 13 will not be held.
PROSECUTOR HAD REQUESTED A CHANGE IN THE QUALIFICATION OF THE CRIME
In the previous hearing of the case, the public prosecutor submitted an opinion stating that the crime of "attempting to influence an expert or witness performing a judicial duty," as defined in Article 277 of the Turkish Penal Code, which was included in the indictment, had not been committed.
The prosecutor argued that İmamoğlu's actions should be evaluated under the scope of the crime of "attempting to influence a fair trial," which is regulated in Article 288 of the Turkish Penal Code.
The court, stating that this crime falls under the scope of prepayment, had adjourned the hearing to July 13 to allow for the necessary procedures to be completed.
HOW DID THE CASE BEGIN?
The investigation was launched following statements made by Ekrem İmamoğlu during a press conference titled "The Big Radish" (Turpun Büyüğü) held before his imprisonment.
In his statement, İmamoğlu had claimed that an expert witness named Satılmış B. had also served in investigations concerning İBB subsidiaries İETT and İSFALT, as well as the Esenyurt and Beşiktaş municipalities.
Following these statements, a lawsuit was filed against İmamoğlu on charges of "attempting to influence an expert witness."