Striking claim from Sözcü columnist: 'Sooner or later, for one reason or another, İmamoğlu will be arrested'

All eyes in the Republican People's Party (CHP) are turned to the primary election on March 23, where the presidential candidate will be determined.

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu will participate in the primary as the sole candidate.

While the successive investigations launched against İmamoğlu continue to occupy the agenda, Sözcü columnist Emin Çölaşan wrote in his column today that the AKP government will use the judiciary to prevent İmamoğlu from entering the election.

The relevant section of Çölaşan's article is as follows:

“Now, Ekrem İmamoğlu is at the top of the target list... A great fear awaits the government. What will happen to them if İmamoğlu is elected president! It could happen, you know... Because they are facing a government that is worn out and falling apart at the seams. Whatever you touch, it falls apart in your hands.

I am speaking assertively on this matter... They will not let İmamoğlu enter the election. They will use the judiciary under their command to block his path. Now, his university diploma (which they claim is fake) is next in line. The rule is clear. If a person is not a university graduate, they cannot be a candidate for the presidency. Now, they have prioritized the cancellation of the diploma for this reason. The universities are in their hands. The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) is in their hands. Let's see what the result will be!

Let's assume this doesn't work and the diploma turns out to be real... But the result will not change because there are other İmamoğlu files kept in reserve. Exactly 6 huge files! This time, they will be brought to the agenda. In some, prison sentences are requested, and in others, a political ban! The reason for those files is clear. I say it again assertively, sooner or later, for one reason or another, İmamoğlu will be arrested, he will be banned from politics, and he will be prevented from entering the presidential election. I hope I am wrong.”

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