IPA President Buğra Gökce: 'Our people have paid the price for what has been done'

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Buğra Gökce, President of the Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA) affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), who is currently detained in Silivri, responded to 112 different allegations that have appeared in the media over the 61 days since March 19 with a letter released from prison. Gökce denied all accusations.

Using the phrase “Two new slanders every day,” Gökce stated that his goal during this process has been “to defend the principles of architecture and urban planning.”

Emphasizing that official procedures were not followed correctly, Gökce stated in his message that he maintains his commitment to his primary profession, that he is being accused “unfairly,” and that he is in a state of mind that is not pessimistic. Recalling the developments in the economy since March 19, Gökce said, "Our people are paying the price for all that has been done." 

In the message he released through his lawyers on his social media account, Gökce used the following expressions: 

"In 80 days;

262 people were detained and 154 people were arrested. Hundreds of innocent people are celebrating another holiday away from their families, their loved ones, and their children.

During this period, 129 lies and slanders were produced. All the lies and slanders served to our people by a virtual 'slander industry' have been proven false and dismantled. (See: @ibbtekzip)

Pro-government media outlets violated the confidentiality of the investigation, the presumption of innocence, and the right not to be tarnished countless times during hours-long programs. Not only society but also the judiciary was attempted to be steered by these broadcasts. The right to a fair trial was fundamentally ignored. Unfortunately, because we are detained, we could not effectively use our right of reply. Press rules also took their place among the principles that were massacred or ignored.

We have experienced practices unprecedented in history. Names, photographs, banners, and social media accounts were banned. Even the posters of Istanbul's elected and current Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu were blocked. People's property, companies, title deeds, and diplomas were seized.

During the protests that lasted between March 19 and March 25, 1,418 of our citizens were detained for exercising their right to assembly and demonstration, and 278 of our young people were arrested. Most recently, on May 30, 14 of our young people were released after 70 days of detention.

Dozens of children have been sleeping without their mothers and fathers for 80 days because their parents were arrested; dozens of mothers and fathers are lying in prison longing for their children, unable to hug or kiss them...

Hundreds of spouses are spending their days separated from each other, far from each other, longing for one another.

Dozens of people, including myself, celebrated their birthdays in prison, spent the holiday longing for their families, could not visit their sick relatives, and could not witness their happy moments..

While all this was happening;

60 billion dollars in reserves were burned. Interest rates rose by 9 points to 49 percent. Borsa Istanbul fell by 1.47 trillion liras compared to March 19.

From March 19 to today, the extra interest burden has been 550 billion TL. 500 billion TL was added to the foreign debt burden. Real growth suffered a loss of 600 billion liras. Due to the rise in the dollar, an extra 150 billion liras will also be paid for PPP (Public-Private Partnership) projects.

Our people have paid the price for all that has been done. In the first 5 months of the year, the lowest pension melted by 2,183 liras, and the minimum wage by 3,335 liras. The cost of living in Istanbul rose to 91,722 liras.

However, we will not let them eat away at our nation's rights!

Against those who deem this evil worthy of our nation, the millions who are resisting, starting with a great hero in Silivri, are giving hope to Turkey!

In the words of Doğan Tılıç, 'No one can steal life from us.'

Against the cruel mentality that attempts to demonize innocent people, does not listen to the constitution, the law, or even the rights of others, and ruthlessly uses public power for its own political interests, our people see the truth, the vast majority express that what is being done is unlawful, and they stand tall beside Ekrem İmamoğlu and his companions against injustice.

At the end of 80 days, we say it with stronger, greater faith. Goodness will win. Everything will be very beautiful!"

News Source: 12punto