The Council of Europe Commissioner called on Turkey to ensure a fair trial in the case of the mayor of Istanbul
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty called on the Turkish authorities to ensure respect for the right to a fair trial in the criminal proceedings against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and other officials of the Istanbul Municipality.
O’Flaherty expressed concern about the course of the trials involving Imamoglu, who faces up to 2,352 years in prison. According to him, serious violations of the right to a defense were documented during the proceedings.
In particular, the defense had limited access to key documents and investigative materials, which made it difficult to challenge pretrial detention and prepare for the trial. In addition, in some cases, the defendant and observers were not allowed to be present in the courtroom, and some testimony was retracted following allegations of possible pressure on witnesses.
The Commissioner also noted that separate criminal proceedings had been initiated against the mayor of Istanbul due to his statements during court hearings, in which he is accused of insulting and threatening public officials.
The court hearings held on July 6 raised particular concern. According to O’Flaherty, three separate cases against Imamoglu were heard simultaneously that day—regarding the activities of the Istanbul municipality, political espionage, and his diploma. This forced the defendant and his lawyers to participate in several hearings simultaneously. At the same time, Imamoglu himself was not allowed to speak in his own defense and was repeatedly barred from being present in the courtroom.
In addition, the Commissioner expressed concern over reports of ill-treatment while in custody and called on the Turkish authorities to conduct a prompt, independent, and impartial investigation in accordance with Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
O’Flaherty emphasized that all legal proceedings concerning Imamoglu and the other defendants must comply with the requirements of Articles 3, 5, and 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantee protection against ill-treatment, define pretrial detention as an exceptional preventive measure, and ensure the right to a fair trial.
This is stated in the commissioner’s statement, which is available to “European Truth.”
As a reminder, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Recep Erdogan’s main rival, will stand trial on charges of corruption and leading a criminal organization. A total of 401 co-defendants are named in the case alongside him.
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