Dilek İmamoğlu recounts her experiences since March 19: 'When I saw Ekrem before the judge...'

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was detained in a dawn operation on the morning of March 19, was arrested on charges of corruption on March 23 and sent to Silivri Prison. İmamoğlu appeared before a judge for the first time on April 11 in the courtroom in Silivri due to a lawsuit filed over his remarks regarding Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek.

İmamoğlu's wife, Dilek İmamoğlu, recounted her experiences since the beginning of the process. 

Speaking to Nefes Gazetesi, Dilek İmamoğlu stated that she experienced a morning on March 19 that Turkey will never forget, noting the following: 

"The elected mayor of Istanbul, who has won against the ruling power multiple times with the votes of the nation, is being detained in a dawn operation. The fact that Ekrem, who would have gone to give a statement if summoned, was detained in an operation involving many police officers has left a deep mark on the memory of everyone who trusts the legal system of this country."

“I FELT A VERY DEEP PAIN…”

Continuing her words by saying, “We have clung to each other as a country. The conscientious voice of millions also gives strength to our family. Everyone knows that Ekrem's arrest is a coup against their own will. For this reason, the conscience of society can no longer be silenced. Turkey is no longer a country that will forget such injustices,” Dilek İmamoğlu said that she felt a very deep pain when she saw her husband before the judge at Silivri Prison, where he is being held.

Here is that interview…

"MY FIRST REACTION WAS SILENCE"

- What happened during the dawn raid on your home on March 19? How were your children affected?

Turkey experienced a morning it will never forget. The elected mayor of Istanbul, who has won against the ruling power multiple times with the votes of the nation, is being detained in a dawn operation. The fact that Ekrem, who would have gone to give a statement if summoned, was detained in an operation involving many police officers has left a deep mark on the memory of everyone who trusts the legal system of this country. Our children were, of course, affected as well. But despite everything, they are standing strong. The value system they grew up in is enough for them to understand that what is happening is not right. It is not easy to digest what happened that morning, but we have clung to each other as a country. The conscientious voice of millions also gives strength to our family.

The signs that certain steps would be taken were already being seen by everyone for a long time. The perception management campaigns and fake news systematically put into circulation for months were the signals of these steps. Still, I did not want to believe that law and justice would be ignored so recklessly. When I heard the decision, my son, Mr. Özgür Özel, and our friends who were waiting with us were by my side. My first reaction was silence; because my mind, my heart, and my conscience could not accept the reality of what was happening. But afterwards, we became even more united against this injustice and took action in a strong way. To show our will, we immediately went to vote for Ekrem's presidential candidacy with my son.

"EKREM IS VERY DETERMINED"

- What did you think when you saw Mr. Ekrem before the judge in the courtroom in Silivri?”

Of course, I felt an indescribable, very great sadness. Not just because Ekrem is my husband and the father of my children; I felt a very deep pain to my core once again for my country, for the children and youth of my country, and for the justice, freedom, and future days of my country. Because in the courtroom, along with Ekrem, who was being tried unjustly, it was also the elected representative of 16 million Istanbulites, it was the will of the people. The defense he made was a defense that will go down in history. Ekrem's conscience is very clear. He is very determined to fight for a fair, democratic, and equal future. As both his family and millions of our citizens, we stand behind him, with our heads held high and our consciences clear, just like him. With the strength we receive from Ekrem and our faith in justice and democracy, we will continue to defend him, the will of the people, and the future of our country. Despite everything, I hope that those who cause these pains to the country and to us realize that they are darkening the future.

"I FILMED THAT VIDEO"

- How did you film the video in which you announced the police raid on IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu's home to the public, and what did you feel?

In such moments, you have a responsibility to suppress your emotions and take steps to share the truth and the facts with the public. My only goal while filming the video was to help Ekrem share what was happening with the public. At that moment, I was feeling both anger and sadness, and also a great sense of determination. Helping to share Ekrem's detention process and his voice with the nation was a duty I had to the entire society.

- Did the protests and boycotts after the arrest surprise you?

Such a strong mass reaction strengthens me and moves me, but it does not surprise me. Because the people of these lands know very well what is right and what is wrong. I also supported the shopping boycott individually. This solidarity was a sign of faith in justice and a symbol of a struggle.

"TURKEY IS NOT A COUNTRY THAT WILL FORGET SUCH INJUSTICES"

- How do you see the possibility of the crisis fading over time and İmamoğlu being forgotten?

Our nation said “enough is enough.” Millions of citizens have been speaking out, coming together, and fighting for weeks, not just against Ekrem's arrest but against all lawlessness. Everyone knows that Ekrem's arrest is a coup against their own will. Turkey is no longer a country that will forget such injustices. Especially the memory of the youth is very strong, and they are determined to protect the future, the law, and justice.

- Could you evaluate the accusations against your husband?

There is no crime here. This is very clear. All of this is a political operation. That is why they are in an effort to constantly create evidence. I think this process is a test for a state of law.

"HIS GREATEST STRENGTH IS HIS FAITH IN HIS COUNTRY"

- Ekrem İmamoğlu is challenging with his posts, making it feel as if he is still on duty. How do you see his state of mind?

Exactly as he makes the society feel, he is on top of his work, hopeful, and as strong as ever. His greatest strength is his faith in his country, the bond he has established with the people, and the trust he has in his nation. That is why he entrusted himself to his nation. This bond and trust give him morale.

"IT IS DIFFICULT TO PREDICT A TIMELINE"

- How does it make you feel to visit your husband in prison?

Prison visits are both the moments we need the most and, of course, the ones that are difficult… We are good for each other. Every meeting is very important for me to see with my own eyes how high his morale is and that he is healthy. So far, we have been able to meet 4 times in Silivri.

"IN A WAY THAT DOES NOT DISRUPT BEREN'S EDUCATION..."

- Do you have a timeline in your mind regarding when Mr. Ekrem will be released?

I want to maintain my faith in the law, but it is very difficult to predict a timeline.

- How is your day going right now, what kind of changes have there been in your daily life?

My life has naturally changed a lot. I spend my days following the situation of Ekrem and everyone who has been unjustly arrested during this process, as well as the developments, meeting with very valuable names who show their solidarity, and receiving the intense support messages coming from society. The solidarity of our people and the conscientious voice of millions give great morale to me and our family. On the other hand, I am trying to carefully manage this process for our children. I am especially careful to ensure that our daughter Beren continues her daily routine in a way that does not disrupt her education.