Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç hits back at Özgür Özel over 'IMM Exchange' claims: 'If you have evidence...'

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç gave a sharp response to the "IMM exchange" allegations made by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel regarding the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM). Criticizing Özel, Tunç said, "If he has concrete evidence, he should submit it to the judicial authorities. The judicial process is ongoing; no one can be declared guilty in advance."

Özgür Özel had made a major claim regarding the activities of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality at the 'The Nation Protects Its Will' rally held in Tuzla. At the rally, Özel stated, "There is a multi-million dollar exchange at the IMM. It has not been proven with documents so far. However, I have an audio recording and a WhatsApp conversation. We will present them to the HSK (Council of Judges and Prosecutors); let them open the file." Claiming that there is strong evidence behind these allegations, Özel said he would deliver all evidence to the relevant institution for justice to be served.

TUNÇ'S CALL: "SUBMIT THE EVIDENCE TO THE JUDICIARY"

In a statement to members of the press, Minister Tunç evaluated Özgür Özel's allegations. Tunç accused Özel of "portraying judicial investigations as if they were being conducted for political purposes" and said:

"Özel's allegations are an attempt to influence the investigation in the public eye. These investigations are based on digital documents, statements from informants, and law enforcement records. Ignoring these and saying there is no crime is contrary to the rule of law."

EVIDENCE MUST BE EXAMINED

The Minister of Justice invited Özel to present the documents he holds in a concrete manner. Stating, "If he has evidence, he can submit it to the judiciary. No one can be declared guilty in advance. While the judicial process is ongoing, one cannot decide on everyone's guilt," Tunç added, "Instead of making propaganda at rallies, it would be more appropriate to submit the documents to the HSK and pave the way for the legal process."

JUDICIAL PROCESS MUST BE AWAITED

Minister Yılmaz Tunç pointed out that bringing allegations to the agenda with suspicion and speculation would be misleading, and stated that the conclusion of the judicial process should be awaited.