Former AKP Deputy Clarifies Stance on İmamoğlu Case: “If No Risk of Tampering or Escape, Trial Should Proceed Without Detention”

Former AKP lawmaker Şamil Tayyar has issued a public clarification regarding his earlier remarks on the legal process involving Istanbul Mayor and presidential hopeful Ekrem İmamoğlu. Speaking via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Tayyar stressed that his statement about the case potentially lasting five years had been misinterpreted and exploited.

 “5 Years Was a Realistic Estimate, Not a Wish”

Tayyar emphasized that his comment was a procedural estimate based on the average duration of criminal trials, which includes phases like:

• Indictment preparation

• Trial at the local court

• Appeals process

• Court of Cassation review

“Some trials end in 3 years, others take up to 20. I myself have two ongoing lawsuits for 8 years now,” he added, underlining the systemic delays in the Turkish judiciary.

“Detention Is Not a Must — İmamoğlu Could Be Released”

Tayyar made a clear distinction between lengthy trial duration and pre-trial detention, saying:

“If there is no risk of evidence tampering or flight, I believe it is more appropriate for İmamoğlu to be tried without detention.”

He also reiterated that:

• The trial’s length alone does not justify detention

• The judiciary has the discretion to release İmamoğlu immediately

• He had already stated his opposition to appointing a trustee (kayyum) to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

“Diploma Case Is the Real Obstacle for İmamoğlu’s Candidacy”

Tayyar pointed out that the diploma investigation, not the corruption case, may pose a more immediate threat to İmamoğlu’s eligibility for the presidency. He concluded his thread by noting:

“This is not a desire or hope — it’s a factual assessment of how the system works. Hopefully, the judiciary will prove us wrong and resolve this case as swiftly as possible.”