Ekrem İmamoğlu writes from Silivri: 'Why is Ümit Özdağ detained?'

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and CHP presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu has sent a letter to the public from Silivri Prison, where he is being held. Emphasizing democracy and the rule of law in his letter, İmamoğlu made notable remarks, particularly regarding Ümit Özdağ.

Stating that Zafer Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ, who is being held in the same prison, has also been detained unlawfully just like himself, İmamoğlu noted the following:

"As if waiting 77 days for a mere 9-page indictment were not enough, his first hearing will be held two months from now. I ask: What kind of understanding of justice is this? Why is Mr. Özdağ being tried while in detention, and why is his case not being heard immediately even though his indictment has been prepared?"

İmamoğlu stated that Özdağ has been deprived of his freedom for months and has not even been able to reunite with his family, adding, "He is being kept from seeing his precious mother, whom I visited in February, and his loved ones. I condemn this vehemently."

'JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED'

In his letter, İmamoğlu emphasized that the justice system in Turkey has become politicized, arguing that courts are making decisions based on political motives rather than legal ones. Stating that the judiciary has been turned into a tool to silence young people, dissidents, and political leaders, İmamoğlu said, "Even if the final verdict is accurate, justice delayed is justice denied. The source of the state's legitimacy is justice. A state can only survive if it treats its citizens fairly." 

News Source: 12punto