BREAKING NEWS... Verdict reached in İmamoğlu trial: 1 acquittal, 2 convictions

CHP presidential candidate and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, currently held at Silivri Prison, was sentenced to 1 year and 8 months in prison in the Akın Gürlek case. İmamoğlu was acquitted of the charge of targeting a public official.

Citizens wishing to support Ekrem İmamoğlu gathered in front of Silivri Prison from the early hours of the morning for the hearing, which was also attended by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel. As the area in front of the courtroom turned into a rally site, İmamoğlu entered the hall accompanied by applause and chants of "President İmamoğlu."

DIALOGUE WITH THE PRESIDING JUDGE: "IT WILL BE AS SHORT AS LIFE"

When the judge reminded İmamoğlu that he had spoken at length during the previous session and asked him to keep his defense shorter this time, he replied, "Life is short anyway; it will be as short as life." This remark was met with applause from the gallery.

TENSION WITH THE PROSECUTOR: "IS IT FORBIDDEN FOR ME TO LOOK AT YOU?"

İmamoğlu received a warning for addressing the prosecutor directly while presenting his defense. Responding with, "Is it forbidden for me to look at the prosecutor?" İmamoğlu was supported by lawyers and spectators in the hall, who banged on tables and applauded. The judge warned, "If it happens again, I will clear the courtroom."

CONVICTION AND ACQUITTAL IN THE SAME VERDICT

The court panel sentenced İmamoğlu to 1 year and 8 months in prison in the "insult" case. However, he was acquitted of the charge of "targeting a public official." While the verdict was protested by those in attendance, İmamoğlu's lawyers announced that they would appeal the decision.

Taking the floor during the hearing, İmamoğlu's lawyer stated, "Even Erdoğan did not spend a single day in custody; he only entered prison once his sentence was finalized. İmamoğlu, however, has been detained for 120 days. It is not even clear what he is being accused of; there is no indictment." It was also noted that İmamoğlu's lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan, is also currently in detention.

During the hearing, İmamoğlu also addressed the health condition of Murat Çalık. He criticized the government, saying, "I want my brother Mehmet Murat Çalık to return to his home. This situation is heading toward murder!" He also addressed the MHP and DEM Party, warning them, "Do not use the process of a terror-free Turkey for your own political interests."