CHP's plan for İmamoğlu revealed: What happens if a political ban is imposed? Here are the steps to be taken, point by point

The CHP is planning a two-pronged strategy, both legal and political, against the "fool" case in which a political ban is being sought for Ekrem İmamoğlu. 

In this context, all investigations and lawsuits opened against İmamoğlu since the 2019 elections, when he first ran for Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, were primarily listed, and a “judicial harassment file” was prepared

The CHP delegation also informed representatives of opposition parties about the actions and events they have planned as a party in the event that the ruling goes against İmamoğlu. It was noted that in such a scenario, a large rally would be organized very quickly in Istanbul, and events and actions demanding justice would be held in every province. 

According to a report by Ceren Bayar from Gazeteduvar, the Republican People's Party (CHP) has begun to clarify its strategy regarding the case in which a 2-year and 7-month prison sentence, as well as a political ban, is being sought for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

Holding a series of meetings recently with the participation of İmamoğlu, the CHP leadership has determined the steps it will take both before and after the conclusion of the case currently in the appellate process.

In this context, all investigations and lawsuits opened against İmamoğlu since the 2019 elections, when he first ran for Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, were primarily listed. A "judicial harassment file" was prepared by compiling cases ranging from the investigation launched due to him walking with his hands behind his back during a visit to the tomb of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han, to investigations and lawsuits initiated years later regarding tenders from his time as Mayor of Beylikdüzü. The file also includes all the details of the approximately 6-year course of the "fool" case, in which a political ban is sought for İmamoğlu.

TO BE SHARED WITH THE GLOBAL PUBLIC

The CHP will conduct a two-pronged effort against the case, both legal and political. If the verdict is upheld by the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court process will be initiated. A comprehensive appeal will be filed with the Supreme Court. The prepared "judicial harassment file" will be sent to relevant institutions, political parties, and individuals both domestically and abroad. The unlawfulness of the decision will be explained from a political perspective, and public pressure will be generated.

It has been noted that İmamoğlu’s legal team and the CHP leadership are working on multi-faceted strategies and various scenarios in response to the possibility of a political ban, while different plans are being developed to mobilize both the Turkish public and the international community.

OPPOSITION TOUR

As part of their efforts, CHP officials formed a delegation and began a series of visits to other opposition parties. CHP Group Deputy Chairman Gökhan Günaydın and CHP Deputy Chairman Gül Çiftçi first visited the DEM Party, the IYI Party, and the DEVA Party to consult on what joint response could be given if a political ban is imposed on İmamoğlu. They discussed the current legal environment, what can be done specifically regarding this case, and how the struggle for democracy can be strengthened. The delegation will continue to visit other parties in the coming days.

GREAT ISTANBUL RALLY

The CHP delegation also informed representatives of opposition parties about the actions and events they have planned as a party in the event that the verdict is issued against İmamoğlu. It was noted that in such a scenario, a large rally would be organized in Istanbul very quickly, and events and actions demanding justice would be held in every province. It was stated that Özel would continue to hold rallies in various cities following the major rally and would explain the "injustice."

It has been stated that in the event of an unfavorable decision from the Court of Appeal, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel will personally call all the chairmen of opposition parties to invite them to a rally expected to be held in Istanbul.

WHEN WILL THE DECISION BE ISSUED?

According to party sources who state that the timeline for the conclusion of the case will be clarified based on the government's political agenda, the file, which has been pending in the Court of Appeals for approximately 1.5 years, could be decided within the next 1-2 weeks.