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The Ministry of Interior has not allowed an investigation against İstanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu for "disrespecting Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror" during a visit to his tomb and "praising a criminal" by visiting dismissed Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) mayors.
As part of a preliminary examination, İmamoğlu gave a written statement and a Ministry of Interior inspector submitted a report to the ministry. Reviewing the report, the ministry concluded that no investigation was needed.
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The ministry will issue its decision to the relevant authorities. If there is no objection or an objection is rejected by the Council of State, the decision will become final. Otherwise, the prosecutor's office will be able to investigate the mayor.
It was revealed on May 4 that prosecutors were probing İmamoğlu because of "folding his hands behind the back" at the tomb of the sultan during a visit that took place on May 29, 2020, the anniversary of the conquest of İstanbul.
Also, another complaint was filed against the mayor over his visit to the HDP politicians, who were dismissed from their posts by the Ministry of Interior in August 2019 because of "terrorism-related" investigations against them.
When asked about whether he thought what İmamoğlu did was a crime, Minister of Interior Süleyman Soylu had said "It is [a crime] for me" but he wouldn't permit an investigation into the incident. (DŞ/VK)
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