İmamoğlu recalls ECHR rulings and shares 'Orhan Gazi quote': Call for the release of Demirtaş and Yüksekdağ

Regarding former HDP co-chairs Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ, İmamoğlu stated, "The release of Mr. Selahattin Demirtaş and Ms. Figen Yüksekdağ, who were arrested nine years ago upon the government's instructions to the judiciary, disregarding the national will, justice, and democracy, must take place as soon as possible.

According to the ECHR ruling, these unlawful arrests, carried out through misuse of authority and political interference, must now come to an end for the sake of the manifestation of justice and the requirements of the rule of law," he said.

In its ruling announced on July 8, 2025, the ECHR found Demirtaş's re-arrest in the context of the Kobani Case to be "legally problematic."

The Ministry of Justice had requested that the file be reconsidered by the ECHR's Grand Chamber. Thus, the ECHR's ruling on the violation of rights regarding Demirtaş has become final. Demirtaş's lawyers had filed for his release following the finalization of the ECHR's violation ruling.

Ekrem İmamoğlu's social media post is as follows:

"My Dear Nation,

The Republic of Turkey, our country, our homeland, is experiencing one of the most critical periods in its history. The old era is closing, and a new era is beginning. As we enter the second century of Turkey, where the unwavering will of national sovereignty will provide democracy, justice, peace, and prosperity to our state and nation, we are experiencing the pains of those who reject the nation's demands and try to hold Turkey's future hostage, as they are unable to say goodbye.

In this critical process, no matter what oppression is experienced; our national unity and solidarity, our desire to live as a nation as 86 million equal shareholders of our country, and our will to protect our future will protect and exalt Turkey.

Our direction must be democracy, and our guide must be justice.

In this context, the release of Mr. Selahattin Demirtaş and Ms. Figen Yüksekdağ, who were arrested nine years ago upon the government's instructions to the judiciary, disregarding the national will, justice, and democracy, must take place as soon as possible. According to the ECHR ruling, these unlawful arrests, carried out through misuse of authority and political interference, must now come to an end for the sake of the manifestation of justice and the requirements of the rule of law.

In the words of Orhan Gazi, the conqueror of Bursa; 'The worst of justice is that which is delayed.'

Our national unity and solidarity, the indivisible integrity of our country, and a true democracy will only be achieved through the demands of the nation and the guidance of democratic politics. Our nation wants the weapons to fall silent and democracy to win. In line with our nation's demands, we will continue to support, guide, and oversee all peace initiatives in the interest of our nation with the same determination as the first day.

We know; you are tired of the chaos, crises, and political conflicts experienced in our country. But keep your heart at ease!

As the tireless soldiers of the struggle for democracy, we will continue our will to be the insurance of Turkey, to protect the rights of the nation, and to share its dreams.

We will ensure together that elections are fair and that politics and thought are free.

Only your will, your dreams, your determination, and your pure heart will determine the future of Turkey.

In the second century of our Republic, where it will be crowned with democracy, Turkey will be governed by the power of the nation that we will build hand in hand!

The Republic, entrusted by Atatürk, will continue on its path by always growing stronger and being a hope for the nation!

Everything will be very beautiful!"

News Source: 12punto