As the IMM trial continues, Feti Yıldız makes a statement on 'Proof without evidence': 'It is being discussed a lot these days...'

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız drew attention to the importance of evidence and proof processes in criminal cases in a statement made on social media. Yıldız's remarks, in which he stated that this issue has been discussed intensely recently, became a hot topic as they coincided with the ongoing Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) trial.

Emphasizing that the fundamental purpose of criminal proceedings is to reach the reality of an event that has occurred, Yıldız stated: "The purpose of criminal proceedings is to reach the material truth regarding a slice of life that occurred in the past. In other words, to reach proof." he declared.

Pointing out that proof based solely on allegations or not supported by concrete evidence does not constitute a solid verdict, Yıldız explained the link between evidence and proof with the following words:

"Proof without evidence, even if it conforms to the material fact, consists only of suspicion and conjecture."

The full text of Yıldız's statement is as follows:

"It is being discussed a lot these days,

I am leaving this short note for those interested.

The purpose of criminal proceedings is,

to reach the material truth regarding a slice of life that occurred in the past. 

In other words, to reach proof. 

The concept of proof is the process by which information or a fact does not remain merely an allegation, but rather gains certainty by being supported by solid evidence.

There is a very strong link between evidence and proof in criminal procedure.

Proof without evidence, even if it conforms to the material fact, consists only of suspicion and conjecture.

The principle of investigating material truth imposes an obligation on the judge to conduct an investigation on their own initiative, rather than being content with the statements of the parties or other evidence in the file.

For the judge to form a conscientious conviction, they must have direct contact with the evidence. 

This principle, called the principle of immediacy, is one of the most important foundations of the authority and legitimacy of a verdict.

Within the principles of proof, the interpretation of doubt in favor of the defendant has a special importance. 

This principle is also a consequence of the presumption of innocence.

In our Constitution, in the conventions to which we are a party, and in the case law of the Constitutional Court (AYM) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), 

the presumption that no one can be considered guilty without a final judicial decision is one of the main elements of the right to a fair trial.

Uncertainties that arise in material facts must be interpreted in favor of the defendant, and matters that remain uncertain must be considered unproven. Happy Sunday."

It is being discussed a lot these days,
I am leaving this short note for those interested.
The purpose of criminal proceedings is,
to reach the material truth regarding a slice of life that occurred in the past.
In other words, to reach proof.
The concept of proof is the process by which information or a fact does not remain merely an allegation,...

— Feti Yıldız (@YildizFeti) March 15, 2026

News Source: 12punto