What happened during İmamoğlu's questioning by Akın Gürlek? Here are the notable details from the hearing...

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor and presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu appeared before the judge in Silivri due to his remarks regarding Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek. The case, heard in Hall No. 2 at the Marmara Closed Prison Complex, was adjourned until Monday, June 16. The court panel requested a final opinion from the prosecution.

Security measures drew attention

Extensive security measures were taken in Silivri prior to the hearing. A large number of police officers were deployed in the area, and checkpoints were established. While CHP deputies, lawyers, and journalists observed the case inside, CHP members and supporters of İmamoğlu gathered outside.

A CALM BUT HIGHLY ATTENDED HEARING

The hearing, where tensions remained low inside, began in the morning hours. Attendance was quite high. Ekrem İmamoğlu's defense began at 10:16 AM.

Stating in his defense that the indictment was prepared for political purposes, İmamoğlu said, "I am here because I am someone who has won elections in Istanbul three times." İmamoğlu, who attended the hearing in high spirits, was greeted by his supporters with a standing ovation.

''THREAT, MY FOOT''

In his speech, İmamoğlu rejected the allegations that he threatened Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek, saying, "Threat, my foot. I have never fought in my life."

Following the statement by Gürlek's lawyer, Abdullah Adır, that "My client has been assigned to terrorism courts," CHP Deputy Mahmut Tanal reacted: "Is there a terrorism court in this country? What are you talking about?" Laughter erupted in the courtroom. The presiding judge issued frequent warnings.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND NOT ASKED

Another notable detail was that the presiding judge did not ask for İmamoğlu's educational background during the identity verification process.

''HOW DID YOU OPEN THE INVESTIGATION SO QUICKLY?''

Reminding that the investigation opened against him was launched at jet speed, İmamoğlu asked, "How did the prosecutor hear the statement made by the person who gave this speech on a live broadcast? Was a screenshot sent via WhatsApp effective?"

Using harsh expressions during his defense, İmamoğlu reacted to the prosecutor who prepared the indictment, saying, "I will challenge anyone who associates me with terrorism."

CHP FIGURES WERE IN THE COURTROOM

CHP deputies, mayors, and party executives also attended the hearing. İmamoğlu's greetings to the politicians drew attention, and he appeared to be in high spirits.

Chatting with journalists during the break in the hearing, İmamoğlu stated that he was in good health. "I eat little, I follow a balanced diet. I cannot exercise, but I work very hard. I read the Nutuk word by word. I return to the poems of Nâzım Hikmet. I congratulate the youth from my heart; they are like diamonds," he said.

''IMM MAYOR'' EXPRESSION DREW ATTENTION

Despite his removal from office by the Ministry of Interior, it was noted that Akın Gürlek's lawyer used the title "Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor" for İmamoğlu during the hearing.

İmamoğlu's lawyers objected to the hearing being moved to Silivri. The request of the lawyers, who argued that it should be heard at the Çağlayan Courthouse, was rejected by the court on the grounds of "the physical conditions and security of the courthouse."

Today at 3:00 PM, another case will be heard at the Büyükçekmece Courthouse, where İmamoğlu is being tried on charges of "rigging a tender" during his tenure as the Mayor of Beylikdüzü. It was stated that İmamoğlu would not attend this hearing and would present his defense through his lawyers.