Imamoglu calls 'fool' case a 'disgrace': Will he be a presidential candidate?

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu opened a new city restaurant in Sancaktepe today. Serving food to journalists and guests, Imamoglu later answered questions from the press.

Stating that they have opened their 15th city restaurant, he noted that they aim to open a city restaurant in every district in the future. Following the opening, Imamoglu responded to journalists' questions.

When asked for his views on the case known in the public eye as the 'fool' case, Imamoglu stated the following:

'It is a complete disgrace that a case which has developed and been discussed in recent days, and which unfortunately should not even exist, has turned into a case involving both a political ban and a 2-year-and-7-month prison sentence; even talking about this makes one feel bad.'

On the other hand, the IMM Mayor left journalists' questions regarding his potential presidential candidacy unanswered.

CHP LAWYERS MET REGARDING THE CASE

Leading CHP lawyers met regarding the case, which is currently in the appellate process. During the meeting, the CHP lawyers discussed the roadmap to be followed in the event of a verdict that would result in a political ban for Imamoglu.

Providing information about the process the party is conducting regarding the case, Imamoglu said:

'We are in such an environment. Of course, this is a political issue, therefore it is an issue that concerns our party; our Chairman and the central administration deemed it appropriate for the matter to be discussed and talked about with our lawyers in Istanbul. Our colleagues are currently in a meeting in this direction. I had other meetings at my office in Emirgan, and I greeted them as I was leaving. That is all I know.'

Using the phrase 'They will perform the legal analysis and evaluation of the process,' Imamoglu added, 'After this matter, the opinion that our party will form or put forward will be shared by either our party officials or our Chairman. Our Chairman has departed for the USA to attend the Socialist International meeting. They will inform you,' he said.

OZEL REACTED TO THE CASE PROCESS BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE USA

CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel had also made statements to journalists before departing for the USA.

In his statement, Ozel said:

'They have set up a conspiracy for a possible presidential candidacy of Ekrem Imamoglu or to impose a restriction on Ekrem Imamoglu, and the pawn of this conspiracy is Suleyman Soylu... Let no one try to normalize the possibility of a sentence here. We do not accept this. There is no such nonsense, no such lack of consciousness.'

WHAT IS THE 'FOOL CASE'?

The term 'fool case' came to the agenda in connection with a case in which Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is being tried. The case is based on developments that occurred after the March 31, 2019 Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality mayoral elections were canceled by the Supreme Election Council (YSK).

Ekrem Imamoglu is being tried due to the word 'fool' he used in a speech following the cancellation of the elections.

The IMM Mayor could be sentenced to 2 years, 7 months, and 15 days in prison on the grounds that he insulted YSK members. Furthermore, this sentence could lead to the possibility of Imamoglu receiving a political ban.

However, Imamoglu argues that he had no intention of insulting YSK members in his speech and that his words were directed at the then-Minister of Interior Suleyman Soylu.