In a series of high-stakes political maneuvers and public declarations, Özgür Özel, the Chairman of the New Party, has issued a provocative proposal regarding the ongoing legal proceedings against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Speaking from Silivri, where he has been closely monitoring the trial, Özel suggested that the ultimate verdict should not rest solely with the court, but with a randomly selected jury composed of the very citizens whose will is at the center of the dispute. This proposal comes at a time of heightened political friction in Turkey, as opposition leaders consolidate their stance against the current administration’s judicial and administrative actions.
Özel’s remarks were first delivered during a live broadcast on NOW TV on the morning of October 17, 2026. Throughout the interview and subsequent press conferences, he touched upon several critical issues, ranging from tragic personal losses within the political community to allegations of systemic corruption and constitutional violations. The core of his message, however, remained focused on the defense of democratic integrity and the "national will."
The Passing of Dündar Gültekin: A Loss for the Political Community
Before diving into the complexities of the İBB trial, Özgür Özel took a moment to address a tragedy that has cast a shadow over recent political developments. He expressed profound grief over the death of Dündar Gültekin, the Deputy Mayor of Üsküdar, who lost his life in a traffic accident. The accident occurred while Gültekin was traveling to attend the Union of Municipalities of Turkey (TBB) elections, a duty that underscored his commitment to local governance.
Özel noted a personal connection to the deceased, mentioning that Gültekin was not only a political colleague but also a fellow pharmacist. "On one hand, we are caught in the rush and competition of politics, and on the other, we are confronted with such painful loss," Özel remarked. He emphasized that Gültekin died while fulfilling his professional responsibilities, adding that "a fire has fallen into the heart of a family" and the wider political community. This moment of reflection served as a somber prelude to the more combative political discourse that followed.
The İmamoğlu Case: A Battle for the People’s Voice
Turning his attention to the trial of Ekrem İmamoğlu in Silivri, Özel clarified that his presence there for the past three days was about more than just supporting a political ally. He framed the legal battle as a struggle for the fundamental rights of the Turkish electorate. According to Özel, the attempt to silence the İBB Mayor is effectively an attempt to silence the millions of people who voted for him.
"When I say I will make Ekrem Mayor’s voice heard across Turkey, I am not just talking about making the voice of a traveling companion or a mayor heard," Özel explained. "I am talking about the voice of the nation here. The people want to change the government, and they go to the ballot box for this purpose. The voice being stifled today is the people’s right to choose freely." By framing the trial in these terms, Özel sought to elevate the case from a specific legal dispute to a broader referendum on the state of democracy in the country.
A Bold Proposal: 100 Citizens to Serve as a Jury
Perhaps the most striking part of Özel’s commentary was his unconventional proposal for how the İmamoğlu trial should be conducted. He criticized the prosecution for failing to produce new evidence despite the numerous allegations leveled against the Mayor over the past year and a half. In contrast, he noted that İmamoğlu has consistently provided documented proof and concrete evidence to refute the claims against him.
To resolve what he perceives as a deadlocked and potentially biased judicial process, Özel called for a "jury of the people." He proposed: "Let 100 people over the age of 18, who have the right to vote, be determined by lot from Istanbul. Let them sit as a jury. Let the prosecutor explain the indictment, and let President Ekrem make his defense. If, as a result of the evaluation of these people, it is concluded that he is guilty, I am willing to accept it."
Özel justified this proposal by asserting that the New Party has nothing to hide and is fully prepared to be held accountable by the public. He also pointed to the timing of recent administrative actions, such as the appointment of a trustee to Halk TV just three hours before the defense began, as evidence of a coordinated effort to undermine the opposition’s ability to communicate with the public.
A Great Struggle for the Future of the Country
The Chairman did not mince words when describing the current political climate, characterizing it as a state of "war" for the survival of democratic principles. He stated that the opposition is currently in the crosshairs of the government, facing threats to their lives, property, and freedom. Despite these risks, Özel expressed a resolute commitment to the cause.
"I am in a war, I am in a great struggle," he declared. "We have risked death, and we have risked prison. Our friends in prison have also risked everything. Either we will save this country, or we will all lose together. There is no second option." This rhetoric highlights the perceived high stakes of the upcoming electoral cycle and the deepening polarization within the Turkish political landscape.
The Introduction of "Safe Houses" and Corruption Allegations
Following his televised interview, Özel held a joint press conference in Silivri with Müsavat Dervişoğlu, the Chairman of the İYİ Party. The two leaders stood in solidarity, reinforcing the idea of a united opposition front. During this briefing, Özel shifted the focus toward allegations of financial misconduct within government-appointed administrations.
He drew a sharp contrast between the İBB’s service-oriented approach and the alleged corruption found in municipalities where trustees have been appointed. Specifically, he cited reports from Esenyurt, where millions of Euros were allegedly discovered in the home of a government-appointed trustee. "We have been introduced to a new terminology: the ‘safe house’ (kasa ev)," Özel remarked. He accused the government of slandering those who serve Istanbul without "coveting a single penny," while their own appointees are allegedly involved in large-scale embezzlement.
Critique of Mehmet Uçum: Allegations of Secret Agreements
Özel also took aim at Mehmet Uçum, the Chief Advisor to the President, regarding recent statements about the timing of future elections. While acknowledging that anyone can speculate on election dates, Özel took issue with Uçum’s assertion that a date had already been "finalized." He reminded the public that according to the Constitution, moving an election forward requires the support of 360 members of Parliament.
With the New Party holding 91 seats, Özel questioned how the government intended to reach that threshold without the opposition’s cooperation. "Does Mehmet Uçum know who will be reached to achieve this number? Was a secret agreement made with the DEM Party?" he asked. He further questioned whether the government expected support from those who he claimed were brought into the CHP leadership through "nullity decisions" to act in tandem with the ruling party.
Özel demanded transparency, stating that the government must either clarify these statements or admit that Uçum had overstepped his bounds. He argued that ignoring the will of Parliament and treating MPs as guaranteed votes is an unacceptable affront to the legislative branch.
The Fund Investigation: The Burden of Proof Lies with the Government
Finally, Özel addressed the ongoing investigation into various financial funds, which has seen several lists of names circulating in the public eye. While he acknowledged the existence of these lists, he urged caution, noting that many of the names have not been verified. He stated that the New Party would refrain from releasing unconfirmed names to avoid unfairly accusing individuals due to name similarities or misinformation.
However, he placed the responsibility for clarifying the situation squarely on the ruling AK Party. "The obligation to explain the list, which is claimed to include names of AK Party members, lies with the government," Özel asserted. He emphasized that the public has a right to know who was involved in these transactions, who failed in their audit duties, and how the citizens’ money disappeared. He called for those responsible to be brought before Parliament to give a full account of their actions.
As the legal proceedings in Silivri continue, the statements by Özgür Özel and his contemporaries suggest that the trial of Ekrem İmamoğlu has become a focal point for a much larger political confrontation. With proposals for citizen juries and demands for constitutional accountability, the opposition is signaling that it will use every available platform to challenge the government’s narrative and assert the primacy of the national will.
