A meaningful message from Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan to journalists from Silivri

Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan, who was detained and subsequently arrested during an operation targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality on March 19, 2025, sent a message for January 10 Working Journalists Day. Writing his letter addressed to Cumhuriyet Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Mine Esen and the newspaper's staff, Şahan reached out to journalists from Silivri Prison with emotional expressions.

In his letter, Mayor Şahan reiterated that press freedom is an indispensable element of democratic societies, while highlighting the pressures journalists face and the difficulties of practicing the profession. Expressing his feelings, Şahan said, "I cannot come to you today. I am in Silivri. But my heart, my mind, and my sense of solidarity are with you."

Şahan emphasized the value of the journalism profession and noted that writing the truth is becoming increasingly difficult. He included the following statements: "Journalism in our country is becoming more difficult every day. As the price of writing the truth gets heavier, the value of the truth increases. Despite this, everyone who does not bow their pen, does not silence their voice, and continues to tell the truth is the conscience of this country."

Mayor Şahan also stated that Cumhuriyet is not just a part of today for him, but a deep-rooted connection. Describing how he has not forgotten the respect and hope he felt when he walked through the doors of Cumhuriyet two years ago when he was a candidate for mayor, Şahan continued to make it felt that he stands with the press despite the worsening conditions.

Thanking them specifically for the diligence shown and the messages of solidarity in the news reports about himself and Şişli during this difficult process, Şahan stated that knowing accurate journalism continues outside gives him strength, even though he is in Silivri. Şahan said, "I would also like to thank you for the care and solidarity you have shown in the news about me and Şişli during this difficult process. While inside, knowing that the right word still exists outside gives one strength."

At the end of his letter, Mayor Şahan celebrated the January 10 Working Journalists Day for all Cumhuriyet employees with a hopeful message, saying, "I believe that one day we will come together again in days when journalists are not arrested and reporting the news is not considered a crime."

News Source: 12punto