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İmamoğlu's right to defense and Bay Kemal's stance
🇹🇷 Turkey /Conflict & Security

İmamoğlu's right to defense and Bay Kemal's stance

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Sources not specified Context piece
  • The article criticizes the Turkish judiciary's handling of Ekrem İmamoğlu's defense rights, arguing he has been denied adequate time and opportunity to present his case.
  • It draws historical parallels with high-profile trials, including Nazi war criminals and anti-apartheid figures, to emphasize the fundamental nature of defense rights.
  • The piece also accuses Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu ('Bay Kemal') of collaborating with the ruling AKP party, citing alleged political maneuvering in local elections as evidence.

The article strongly criticizes the Turkish legal system's treatment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, asserting that his fundamental right to defense has been consistently undermined. The author argues that İmamoğlu has been prevented from adequately presenting his case, drawing parallels to historical trials to underscore the importance of defense rights.

In any period, the right to defense for every person under gözaltı or arrested is sacred.

— CumhuriyetThe article's opening statement on the fundamental right to defense.

The author questions the limited time allocated for İmamoğlu's defense, especially given the severe charges he faces, which could result in a prison sentence of up to 2,352 years for 142 alleged actions. Historical examples, such as Nazi Commander Hermann Göring's defense spanning nine sessions, Nelson Mandela's lengthy defense against apartheid, and the trials of Deniz Gezmiş and his comrades, are cited to illustrate that significant legal proceedings allow ample time for defendants to present their arguments.

The greatness of justice is measured not by who the accused is, but by the equal right to defense afforded to whomever it may be.

— CumhuriyetEmphasizing the principle of equal justice and defense rights.

The piece emphasizes that justice is measured not by the accused's identity but by the equal defense rights afforded to everyone. It clarifies that the right to defense includes the freedom to say what the court wishes to hear and what it does not. The author references Mandela's famous defense speech and the historical trials of Gandhi, Dreyfus, and Socrates to reinforce the principle of robust defense.

Love cannot be produced by law, cannot be regulated by law.

— CumhuriyetQuoting Gandhi to highlight the need for principles beyond legal frameworks in the current Turkish context.

Furthermore, the article pivots to criticize Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, referred to as 'Bay Kemal,' accusing him of actively collaborating with the ruling AKP party. The author points to Kılıçdaroğlu's alleged actions in local elections, particularly in Etimesgut and Menderes municipalities, where he purportedly supported AKP-backed candidates against a new party, as evidence of this collaboration. The piece suggests that Kılıçdaroğlu's party, described as 'butlan CHP,' has facilitated AKP victories through strategic alliances.

Bay Kemal's Trojan horse period clearly ended two years ago, he is clearly working hand in hand with the AKP!

— CumhuriyetAccusing Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu of collaborating with the ruling AKP party.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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