New courtroom in IMM case in Silivri sparks controversy: Reaction from Dilek İmamoğlu

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) case, which resumed after a 40-day break, is now being heard in a new courtroom built at the Marmara Closed Penal Execution Institution. In the case, where a total of 414 defendants, 53 of whom are in custody, are being tried—including presidential candidate and IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu—the conditions of the courtroom have become a subject of debate for both families and lawyers.

Dilek Kaya İmamoğlu pointed out in a social media post that the conditions in the courtroom jeopardize the principle of a fair trial. İmamoğlu stated that families are forced to use binoculars to see their loved ones, and that communication barriers have emerged between lawyers and their clients.

The following statements were included in Dilek Kaya İmamoğlu's post:

“Today, the only thing that changed in Silivri was the courtroom. In a hall where families have to use binoculars to see their loved ones and lawyers struggle to communicate with their clients, our concerns about a fair trial and the administration of justice have only increased.

A massive courthouse hall was built, but the most fundamental requirement of justice was once again not met; it is unclear when and for how long the presidential candidate of millions, Ekrem İmamoğlu, will be able to exercise his most basic right to defense.

We see that the psychological pressure inflicted upon us and our loved ones for 1.5 years is continuing, having merely changed its form. But we will not stop calling for rights, law, and justice for even a moment.

Despite courtrooms that distance people from one another, practices that restrict fundamental rights, and the disregard for the law; we will continue our struggle for a Turkey where justice works equally and completely for everyone.”

It has been observed that concerns regarding a fair trial and fundamental rights, which have frequently come to the fore during the case that has been ongoing for approximately 1.5 years, have grown following the move to the new courtroom. Families and lawyers following the case argue that the physical conditions restrict the rights to communication and defense.

All eyes are now on the next stages of the trial, which is being heard at the Istanbul 33rd High Criminal Court.

News Source: 12punto