A first at a CHP rally: İmamoğlu slogans in the heart of Europe

The Republican People's Party (CHP) held the 61st of its "Defending the National Will" themed rallies in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. The rally, organized with demands for freedom for Ekrem İmamoğlu and early elections, marked the first open-air rally held by the CHP abroad. With the participation of Turkish citizens and European politicians, demands for rights, law, and justice were announced to the global public.

A FIRST WAS ACHIEVED

The rally held in Brussels was recorded as the first open-air rally held abroad in the history of the Republic of Turkey. Held in Brussels, the capital of the European Union, the rally was an important step for the CHP in announcing its struggle for freedom to the world.

CHP sources stated that Brussels being the heart of Europe contributed to the struggle for freedom finding resonance worldwide.

Preparations for the rally were initiated weeks in advance by the Overseas Organization Coordination. The organization in Belgium was carried out by a delegation consisting of six CHP members of parliament. Under the coordination of Brussels Mayor Derya Bulduk, the delegation carried out work regarding square arrangements, security measures, banners, and invitations.

The area chosen for the rally was Jean Rey Square, which bears the name of the second president of the European Commission.

SUPPORT LETTERS SENT FROM BRUSSELS

European politicians and mayors also supported the Brussels rally. The host of the rally, Brussels Mayor Philippe Clause, sent a video message. Additionally, letters from the mayors of Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, Thessaloniki, Frankfurt, Cologne, Timișoara, and Utrecht were read at the rally.

European politicians, specifically calling for freedom for Ekrem İmamoğlu, emphasized that democratic rights and freedoms in Turkey must be defended.

LARGE PARTICIPATION FROM EUROPE AT THE RALLY

In addition to Turkish citizens, Belgians and participants from neighboring countries also took part in the rally. Many people from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, and Denmark attended the rally in Brussels. Participants filled the square with Turkish flags and banners in their hands.

The CHP Youth Branches organized a "youth cortege" before the rally and marched through the streets of Brussels. A participant in the cortege drew attention with a Pikachu costume, which has become a symbol in protests in Turkey.

At the rally, European Green Party Co-Chair Vula Tsetsi, Party of European Socialists Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck, and Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) member of the European Parliament (EP) Dario Nardella expressed their demands for freedom and democracy. Addressing the participants, the European politicians stated that they would continue to raise their voices against the oppression in Turkey.

“WE WILL NOT BE SILENT, WE WILL NOT BE AFRAID” SLOGANS WERE CHANTED

Many banners prepared in Turkish, English, German, and French drew attention in the rally square. Participants chanted powerful slogans such as "Do not be silent, if you remain silent, your turn will come" and "The people's will is imprisoned."

Some of the prominent banners were:

"Everything will be very beautiful"

"Freedom for our mayors"

"Even Edison regrets it"

"Shoulder to shoulder against fascism"

"Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation"

"Release the children"

"Greetings to Silivri"

A MESSAGE TO THE WORLD WITH ENGLISH BANNERS

Another point that drew attention at the rally was the density of English banners. Messages such as "Free İmamoğlu" and "Democracy can’t be jailed" issued a call for democracy and freedom to the world public.

ÖZGÜR ÖZEL’S MESSAGE TO THE GUESTS

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel presented the problems regarding democracy in Turkey and proposed solutions to the participants in his speech at the rally. Özel also voiced his solution proposals regarding the problems of Turks living in Europe, receiving great applause.

Slogans such as "Turkey is secular, it will remain secular" and "Everything will be very beautiful" were frequently chanted during his speech.

PHOTOS AND GREETINGS AFTER THE RALLY

After the rally, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel went down to the stage to take photos with the citizens and thanked the participants. At the end of the rally, he went on stage with party representatives and European politicians to greet the participants.

News Source: 12punto