IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu speaks in front of Çağlayan Courthouse

Nagihan YILKIN

IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu made a statement at the Çağlayan Courthouse.

Highlights from İmamoğlu's statement are as follows:

"On the very day after the first Republic Day of the second century, an attempt is being made to strike a blow to law, justice, and democracy. What we are experiencing is shameful.

I said today that we know very well from which legacy you draw the inspiration for these dawn raids. We have seen how those who made headlines in the media with news of a trustee appointment even before an arrest was made are loyal to their legacy.

Once again, we are facing a very serious democratic disgrace. Once again, we see today that there is an overt political intervention in the judiciary."

What is your problem with Istanbul and the people of Istanbul? Is this what you call embracing, peace, and tranquility? Are you going to fix the economy and raise the country's reputation with this mindset?

Is this your 'Century of Turkey'?

I see the ugly smirk on the faces of those who are trying to force this decision.

The nation will have the last laugh. No matter what dark conspiracy you set up, we will end this political and institutional decay.

We will make the Republic of Turkey a state bound by rules and institutions, not by individuals, and we will quickly bring our country to a structure that produces equal and fair service for everyone.

We and all our fellow travelers will not be afraid, we will not be discouraged, and we are determined to fight for justice with courage.

Long live the Republic, long live a country with justice; we are continuing our struggle for this."