Istanbul Municipality Case: 70th Hearing Day Sees Defense by Former CHP MP Amidst Courtroom Walkout

The 70th hearing in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) case, which includes İmamoğlu and 413 defendants, convened at the new courtroom built within the Marmara Closed Prison in Silivri. The trial, overseen by the Istanbul 33rd High Criminal Court, is continuing with the defenses of the non-detained defendants.

During the previous day's proceedings, Ertan Yıldız, a former İBB official and key witness under a "repentance" agreement, presented his defense. His testimony led to a heated exchange between Fatih Keleş's lawyer, Nergiz İnce, and the presiding judge. The judge's decision to halt further questioning of Yıldız prompted İnce and other lawyers, who had not yet asked their questions, to react. İmamoğlu's lawyers also expressed their discontent.

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I will burn myself here if anyone proves I have engaged in any unlawful relationship.

Following this, İmamoğlu himself, along with some defendants and their lawyers, walked out of the courtroom in protest. İmamoğlu stated, "Let him conduct his defense on his own." Earlier, Mesut Taşkın, an engineer at Metro İstanbul, presented his defense, denying any connection to the alleged financial transactions mentioned in the indictment.

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We are needed in this country, do not waste us. You imposed a travel ban; we are in love with this country, why would we flee?

Subsequently, former CHP Member of Parliament Turan Aydoğan took the stand. Aydoğan, whose parliamentary term ended in 2023, addressed allegations of using his influence in an event in 2024. He argued that this was impossible given his status. He also stated he had never heard the term "system" as described in the indictment and asserted he would "burn himself here" if anyone could prove he engaged in unlawful relations. Aydoğan requested the lifting of judicial control measures, stating, "We are needed in this country, do not waste us. You imposed a travel ban; we are in love with this country, why would we flee?"

The indictment, prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office's Organized Crimes Investigation Bureau, lists various ministries and municipal bodies as parties affected by the alleged crimes.

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Let him conduct his defense on his own.