Statement from Mansur Yavaş regarding Ekrem İmamoğlu

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has been detained. Following the cancellation of his diploma yesterday evening, Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Mayor Mansur Yavaş has reacted to İmamoğlu's detention.

Yavaş stated the following in a post on his X account:

"Everyone in this country who defends the rule of law, democracy, and the national will must know that these attempts against an elected mayor are never, ever acceptable. Yesterday, the cancellation of a diploma; today, in the early hours of the morning, police officers swarming in front of Mayor Ekrem's home and detention procedures against his team… This picture does not befit a state governed by the rule of law.

Even if the reason for the detention is unclear; what is the indication of rushing to detain a mayor today who has previously gone to the courthouse to give a statement? 

If you are truly seeking justice, you must first remain loyal to the fundamental principles of law.

It should be known that no interference with the national will goes unanswered. Our democracy will suffer the greatest harm from these practices carried out through unlawful methods, pressures, and threats. However, we will not remain silent!

And let no one forget: Our Mayor Ekrem is not alone!"

Bu ülkede hukukun üstünlüğünü, demokrasiyi ve millet iradesini savunan herkes bilmelidir ki, seçilmiş bir belediye başkanına yönelik bu girişimler asla ama asla kabul edilemez. Dün diploma iptali, bugün sabahın erken saatlerinde Ekrem Başkanımızın evinin önüne yığılan polisler ve…

— Mansur Yavaş (@mansuryavas06) March 19, 2025