Statement from Murat Bakan on İmamoğlu: 'Arrest is not an obstacle to candidacy'

CHP Deputy Chairman Murat Bakan made a statement regarding the potential arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, saying, "An arrest warrant does not prevent a presidential candidacy. Because he has not been convicted, he can be a candidate just like in a parliamentary candidacy. That is why they canceled his diploma. It was done to block İmamoğlu's candidacy; they are conducting a 'grab-bag' investigation involving terrorism on one side, corruption on another, and the diploma on a third." Bakan also addressed the possibility of a trustee being appointed to the CHP, stating, "It is not legally possible," but added, "However, there is no legal environment at the moment. Just like under state of emergency conditions, various protest bans are being implemented."

CHP Deputy Chairman Murat Bakan made statements to journalists regarding the potential arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Bakan said, "An arrest warrant does not prevent a presidential candidacy. Because he has not been convicted, he can be a candidate just like in a parliamentary candidacy. That is why they canceled his diploma. It was done to block İmamoğlu's candidacy; they are conducting a 'grab-bag' investigation involving terrorism on one side, corruption on another, and the diploma on a third. Their only wish is for him not to be a candidate. But you can see the society's sense of justice. An 88-year-old citizen who did not vote for us came and cast their vote. They turned this place into a wedding venue, into the atmosphere of a general election. They cannot prevent this. A rotten, corrupt government no longer has anything to say to society."

'SARAÇHANE IS THE SYMBOLIC SPACE OF RESISTANCE'

Regarding the path to be followed after the arrest decision, Bakan stated, "The Chairman will make a statement, but we will continue to be on the streets. The longer the lawlessness continues, the stronger our reaction will be. We will maintain our presence in Saraçhane. We invite everyone to Saraçhane. Saraçhane is now the symbolic space of resistance. Whatever Taksim meant during Gezi Park or the May 1st protests in 1977, Saraçhane carries the same meaning today."

Regarding the possibility of a trustee being appointed to the CHP, Bakan stated, "It is not legally possible," adding, "However, there is no legal environment at the moment. Just like under state of emergency conditions, various protest bans are being implemented."