Ekrem İmamoğlu's statement from prison on 'Terror-Free Turkey' and the 'New Party'
Held in Silivri, Ekrem İmamoğlu criticized the government's rhetoric on a terror-free nation, stated they would not allow political engineering, and called for change for the New Party.
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Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is currently being held at Silivri Prison, responded to questions from Ali Macit of the Sözcü newspaper and made striking assessments regarding the current agenda. İmamoğlu addressed the government's "Terror-Free Turkey" rhetoric, the framework law passed by parliament, the establishment of the New Party, and the judicial processes against him.
"NO ONE SHOULD DECLARE THEMSELVES A CHAMPION"
Stating that he found the CHP leader's speech in parliament historic and carrying state responsibility, İmamoğlu emphasized that they have always supported Turkey's peace and tranquility. Criticizing the government's past policies, İmamoğlu said, "The AK Party government has been in power for twenty-five of the forty years of this nation's suffering. Now, no one should declare themselves the champion of a terror-free nation and try to line up all of politics behind them." Arguing that the process is moving away from democratization and is being turned into a tool for political design by President Erdoğan, İmamoğlu underscored that they would never allow this.
EMPHASIS ON THE NEW PARTY AND CHANGE
Touching upon the establishment phase of the New Party, İmamoğlu described this movement as the most inclusive invitation in the history of Turkish politics. Stating that they are the new carriers of social opposition and the will for democracy, İmamoğlu expressed that those who fear the footsteps of change cannot stop them with arrests and pressure.
"ALL CASES AGAINST ME ARE FICTITIOUS"
Drawing attention to the nearly twenty case files opened against him, İmamoğlu stated that the judicial processes are not proceeding in their natural course and that the duty locations of judges and prosecutors are frequently changed. Saying, "From the diploma case to espionage, from the 'fool' case to bribery and extortion, they are all fabricated," İmamoğlu expressed that these moves are an operation to eliminate a political rival through the judiciary. Stating that the right to defense is also effectively being blocked, İmamoğlu reiterated his call for the hearings to be broadcast live on television.
TRABZONSPOR'S MOHAMMED SALAH TRANSFER
Evaluating the sports agenda as well, Ekrem İmamoğlu congratulated Trabzonspor on adding world star Mohammed Salah to their squad. Expressing his hope that this high-cost transfer would provide the club with the greatest benefit from a sporting and sociological perspective, İmamoğlu added that the management must properly project the revenue to be generated.