What led to the detention of IMM President Ekrem İmamoğlu?
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has announced that there are two separate investigations underway against İmamoğlu. The first investigation is related to corruption allegations after images of money counting surfaced from the CHP Provincial Presidency. The second investigation involves accusations of collaboration with terrorism in the context of the city reconciliation investigation.
During a statement to CNN Türk, lawyer Tarkan Erdal emphasized that no Metropolitan Mayor in Turkey has been detained for such crimes before. Additionally, CNN Türk Istanbul News Manager Nihat Uludağ mentioned that there was no prior knowledge of the PKK/KCK terrorist organization operating under the guise of city reconciliation in Istanbul before the local elections on March 31, 2024.
The investigation into the Imamoglu City Reconciliation has brought forth allegations that the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) hired members of a terrorist organization within the Istanbul Planning Agency and BIMTAŞ. Moreover, there are claims suggesting that İmamoğlu may have aided the PKK/KCK terrorist organization by participating in urban reconciliation activities. Lawyer Tarkan Erdal speculated that a maximum punishment of up to 10 years could be imposed if terrorism financing is proven.
Following the money counting images and the ongoing investigation, İmamoğlu faces serious charges including establishing a criminal organization for personal gain. The charges brought against him include misconduct in tenders, fraud, illegal data acquisition, bribery, and abuse of power.
In a significant development, IMM President Ekrem Imamoglu, along with 105 other suspects including Murat Ongun, Tuncay Yilmaz, Fatih Keles, Ertan Yildiz, Sisli Mayor Resul Emrah Sahan, IMM General Secretary Deputy Secretary Mahir Polat, and Reform Institute President Mehmet Ali Caliskan, have been taken into custody. Lawyer Tarkan Erdal highlighted the gravity of the situation, mentioning that the detention period may last up to 4 days due to the allegations of leading an organization.
The unfolding events surrounding the investigations against İmamoğlu have shocked many, and the outcomes of these legal proceedings will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Turkey.
