Statement from İmamoğlu's lawyer Kemal Polat: 'It has no meaning other than to delay'

The court has once again adjourned the 'bid rigging' trial in which Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor and CHP Presidential Candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu is being tried. Following the hearing, İmamoğlu's lawyer Kemal Polat made statements. 

Criticizing the court for not announcing a verdict, Polat stated, "Unfortunately, we are witnessing the efforts made by the prosecution to delay the decision. It is a sad situation." 

Speaking to ANKA News Agency, Polat said the following: 

"Unfortunately, a case in which an acquittal should have been granted, where there is no other matter left to investigate, and which is clear in its entire scope, has been adjourned once again with a justification that appeared or was brought up at the last minute. As his lawyers, no matter how demanding we are for justice to be served as soon as possible, we are unfortunately witnessing the efforts made by the prosecution to delay the decision. It is a sad situation. 

The prosecutor had previously stated that he wanted to examine a file to see whether he would make a request for the consolidation of these files, citing another file as a reason. That file has arrived. The entire file has arrived via UYAP. The file actually has no factual or legal connection with this case or the presiding judge. He did not express an opinion on this matter either. In my opinion, it is not a valid excuse after the original file has arrived. There is no need for the original file. All records, information, and documents in UYAP are available. He could have submitted his opinion. These actions have no meaning beyond delaying the decision that the court will make."