Home > Current Affairs News > Statement from Ali Yerlikaya regarding the İmamoğlu protests in Saraçhane! He announced the number of detentions and arrests

Statement from Ali Yerlikaya regarding the İmamoğlu protests in Saraçhane! He announced the number of detentions and arrests

Speaking about the Ekrem İmamoğlu protests in Saraçhane, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated, "Justice is served in courtrooms, not on the streets. No one can clear their name by taking to the streets. Trying to suppress the law with street protests and attempting to silence justice with lynching campaigns benefits no one. No perception operation or street provocation can cover up the truth." Yerlikaya reported that 1,879 people have been detained so far, and 260 of them have been arrested.

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Ali Yerlikaya made a statement regarding the protests in Saraçhane that began during the process following the detention and arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

Yerlikaya reported that 260 out of the 1,879 people detained as a result of the protests have been arrested. Yerlikaya stated that among those detained were suspects linked to 12 different terrorist organizations, and announced that there were individuals with criminal records for 17 different offenses, including drug-related crimes, sexual harassment, theft, fraud, and intentional injury.

 

Yerlikaya's statements are as follows:

"A process that threatens the peace and security of our country has been experienced.

Street politics were sought to be legitimized. An ambush was set for the brotherhood of our nation. Our police officers were attacked. Our national, spiritual, and family values were trampled upon.

Justice is served in courtrooms, not on the streets. No one can clear their name by taking to the streets. Trying to suppress the law with street protests and attempting to silence justice with lynching campaigns benefits no one.

No perception operation or street provocation can cover up the truth.

The Republic of Turkey is a state committed to the principle of the rule of law, with deep-rooted democracy and strong institutions. Democracy is not a shield for hate speech and violence.

Our understanding of democracy is based on the national will, not on a foundation of abuse. 

Are street protests and demonstrations a right? Yes, it is a constitutional right.

Then what are those stones, Molotov cocktails, and axes? Should the result of exercising democratic rights be like this?

What is the goal of calling for a boycott, putting our domestic and national brands and our employees in a difficult situation? And what is the point of going on foreign channels to complain about Turkey?

Necip Fazıl says, 'Do not be like a street lamp; let it be clear who you are burning for.'

Following the recent actions, 1,879 suspects were detained. 260 of them were arrested, and judicial control decisions were issued for 468.

Processing continues for 662. 489 have been released. Among those detained are suspects linked to 12 different terrorist organizations.

Is that all? It has been determined that among them are those who have faced judicial proceedings for 17 different crimes, including drug-related offenses, sexual harassment, theft, fraud, and intentional injury.

Unfortunately, 150 of our police officers were injured in the actions."