Dilek İmamoğlu evaluates the situation for The Economist: 'Conscience cannot be imprisoned'

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

Dilek İmamoğlu, writing an article for The Economist, criticized the process leading to the arrest of her husband, Ekrem İmamoğlu. In the article titled "The wife of Ekrem İmamoğlu explains how his arrest turned a mayor into a movement," she expressed the view that AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan cannot defeat democracy by imprisoning a presidential candidate.

Dilek İmamoğlu stated that her husband's detention on March 19 sparked a major public outcry. The article noted that Turkey is facing problems such as an economic crisis, a collapse in the legal system, and political pressure.

'THE PUBLIC SAID 'ENOUGH''

Touching upon the processes following Ekrem İmamoğlu's victory in Istanbul in the 2019 local elections, Dilek İmamoğlu wrote, "The fact that the CHP became the leading party in the 2024 local elections is an indication that the public has finally said 'enough'."

Noting that smear campaigns and legal obstacles were deployed to prevent her husband's presidential candidacy, İmamoğlu used the following expression:

'Finally, they tried to block his candidacy by declaring the university diploma he received 31 years ago invalid.'

'THE ARREST MOBILIZED THE PUBLIC'

Dilek İmamoğlu argued that "the arrest and removal of Ekrem İmamoğlu from office were intended to intimidate the presidential candidate and the public." Pointing out that this move "created the exact opposite effect," İmamoğlu added the following:

''People from all across Turkey have mobilized. Regardless of political view, age, or gender, millions see this process as a turning point for democracy. Ekrem's case has now become a symbol of the collapse of the rule of law, the restriction of freedom of expression, and the disconnect between those who govern and the people.''

'IDEAS CANNOT BE SILENCED BY IMPRISONMENT'

Stating that Turkey is struggling with economic and political crises, İmamoğlu expressed that inflation is impoverishing the public, the education system has collapsed, and young people are leaving the country. İmamoğlu emphasized that 'despite this, hope is growing in society' and that "the strengthening of the CHP is an indicator of the demand for change."

Dilek İmamoğlu stated that they will not give up the struggle and concluded her words with the following expressions:

''Ekrem İmamoğlu received the support of more than 15 million people in the CHP primary. This is the voice of millions who want fair governance. Individuals cannot be silenced by being thrown into prison. Justice cannot be banned, and conscience cannot be imprisoned. Turkey has gone through dark periods and will overcome this process as well with its democratic will.''

News Source: 12punto