Call from Yılmaz Özdil regarding the IMM case: “Public support is necessary now”

As a guest of Editor-in-Chief İpek Özbey on SÖZCÜ TV, Yılmaz Özdil evaluated the first two days of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) case, which began on March 9, 2026. Drawing attention to the distance of Silivri, where the case is being heard, from the center of Istanbul, Özdil described the difficult conditions there. “The place we call Silivri is 80 kilometers away from Istanbul. It is 160 kilometers round-trip. There isn't even a suitable place there to buy a sandwich or use the restroom,” he said.

Recalling that he had addressed the situation following the potential arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu a year ago, Özdil stated that at the beginning of the process, he had suggested that İmamoğlu run for the CHP chairmanship. Regarding the enthusiasm experienced at the rallies during that period, he remarked, “We had said that it was inevitable for the enthusiasm to fade in a short time in such processes.”

THE TIME FOR SUPPORT IS NOW

Özdil emphasized that public support and morale are of critical importance during these days as the trial process moves forward. “However, rallies should actually be starting now. İmamoğlu has been there for a year, and in fact, he needs public support now. The hearing has started, Ekrem İmamoğlu is resisting right now, and he needs public support and morale right now, and we have finished the rallies, my brother,” he noted, drawing attention to the situation.

The journalist expressed that İmamoğlu should have addressed the public at rallies as the CHP Chairman, but that this opportunity was missed in the past. He further stated that the millions who support İmamoğlu are currently lacking the expected crowds and enthusiasm, and that those who opened the case knew that society would eventually grow tired.

Özdil’s comments continue to spark debate regarding both the progress of the IMM case and the importance of social support mechanisms.