Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, imprisoned since March 19th, attended the second hearing today in a trial that threatens to ban him permanently from public office. The trial focuses on remarks made by the mayor at a conference in January towards Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Akın Gürlek.

Following today’s brief meeting, İmamoğlu’s trial was delayed until July 16th by a judge.

In the brief hearing, İmamoğlu read a defense statement in which he lamented his continued detention and increasing pressure on the Turkish opposition:

“Our country is burning, the economy is in ruins, our people are hopeless, children are crying. But you are still intent on retribution. My image has been banned, my voice has been banned, and social media is blocked. But just know that you will never be able to erase me from the hearts of the people. The love will continue to grow!”

The mayor’s remarks referenced a ban on his Twitter account introduced in early May, as well as a ruling in late May that banned the mayor’s voice and likeness from being displayed in public........

© Medyascope