In the case heard by the Istanbul 33rd High Criminal Court in the courtroom opposite the Marmara Closed Penal Execution Institution, the detained defendant Ekrem İmamoğlu presented his defense. On the 36th day of the second hearing of the case in which İmamoğlu, defined as an "organization leader" in the indictment, is being tried, the third day of the defense began.
Ekrem İmamoğlu's father Hasan İmamoğlu, his wife Dilek İmamoğlu, his son Selim İmamoğlu, and Özgür Özel also followed the hearing in the courtroom.
Touching upon his decisions during his mayoral term in his defense, İmamoğlu claimed that he performed his duty for the healthy and safe development of the city and that he was arrested for this reason. Making assessments regarding urban rents and planning processes, İmamoğlu emphasized the importance of urban planners' objections to projects contrary to public interest.
"I LOVE THIS!"
During his defense, İmamoğlu recited the lines from the National Anthem: "I am amazed at which madman would put chains on me. I am like a roaring flood, I trample my dam and overflow. I tear through mountains, I do not fit into vast spaces, I overflow." He then stated, "I love this. I mean, I love it. Do you know, I say he wrote this for me?"
The hearing was adjourned until tomorrow for the continuation of İmamoğlu's defense. It is expected that İmamoğlu will complete his defense and cross-examination will begin in the next session.
News Source: 12punto
