Important developments occurred during the 30th hearing of the İBB case, held in Silivri by the Istanbul 40th High Criminal Court. The court panel unanimously decided to release 15 defendants, including the confessing Adem Soytekin. Among those released were İBB Information Technology personnel, private secretaries, and other employees.
During the hearing, a detention was made by the gendarmerie after a prosecutor's photo was taken and shared. After the announcement of the release decision in the courtroom, lawyers reacted by chanting slogans such as "The defense did not remain silent, will not remain silent."
İBB Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu stated after the hearing, "Be very strong, a new day will begin on Monday." İmamoğlu also reacted to not being given the right to speak during the hearing process and demanded a fair trial.
Defendants' defenses continued to be taken throughout the hearing. The presiding judge stated that hearings could last until 10:00 PM. Additionally, the area for some spectators attending the hearing was expanded.
So far, the defenses of 35 people have been taken within the scope of the İBB case, and hearings continue four days a week. The court panel is also continuing to evaluate release requests of other defendants.