Ekrem İmamoğlu speaks out on his prison sentence: 'Such a case cannot exist'

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu made significant statements regarding the prison sentence and political ban he received for the crime of insulting members of the Supreme Election Council (YSK). Speaking about the petition filed by his lawyers to the Constitutional Court, which argues that the crime of "insulting a public official" is unconstitutional, İmamoğlu criticized the case.

'SUCH A CASE CANNOT EXIST'

Responding to questions from members of the press, İmamoğlu stated that the accusations against him were baseless, saying, "For me, the essential point is this, it is clear, such a case cannot exist! Even the hearing of this case is a situation for this nation to be saddened by."

İmamoğlu expressed his belief that the judiciary would reach the most accurate decision and noted that his legal experts have stated that this case has no legal basis.

HIS MEETING WITH MINISTER KURUM

Ekrem İmamoğlu also touched upon his meeting with the Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, stating that Minister Kurum displayed a positive attitude.

Expressing that they held a productive meeting regarding the problems of Istanbul, İmamoğlu said, "Regardless of the issue, open-door diplomacy is essential. No one should think that an office belongs to them. Neither mine nor theirs, every office belongs to the nation."

'OLYMPICS HAPPEN WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT'

İmamoğlu further stated that their requests for a meeting with the Ministry of Sports had not been met. Pointing out that cooperation with the central government is mandatory for Istanbul to take steps toward the Olympics and the European Games, the İBB Mayor said, "Local governments and the government should not refrain from coming together. Everyone represents the nation."