Message from İmamoğlu to Trabzon: The reason I am not among you is not a legal reality, but a political calculation

In his message, İmamoğlu stated, "My nation, to whom I have entrusted myself, and my fellow citizens know best what they are trying to destroy. That is why, since March 19, we have been growing in squares all across the country, standing shoulder to shoulder to show one of the strongest displays of solidarity in this country. On the path we have embarked upon together, I will neither take a step back nor break this bond. The reason I am not among you today is not a legal reality, but a political calculation."

Trabzon became the new destination for the 'The Nation Protects Its Will' rallies, which began following the arrest of CHP's presidential candidate and suspended Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

In his letter, İmamoğlu said the following:

“Brave children of the Black Sea, my dear fellow citizens; today I look at Trabzon, my beloved hometown, not with my eyes, but with my heart. I cannot feel on my face the salt that the Black Sea tosses into the sky with every wave. For the first time in my life, I could not reach my father's home, my ancestral home, during two holidays. There is one void in particular that is hard to describe: I could not be there to bid farewell to the brave child of the Black Sea, my brother Volkan Konak. We knew each other through our love for our homeland. He was not just an artist, but a companion, a fellow citizen, and a friend deeply connected to the Black Sea. I could not be at his funeral. But know this; wherever you are, I am there. On the path we have embarked upon together, I will neither take a step back nor break this bond. The reason I am not among you today is not a legal reality, but a political calculation. With the cancellation of diplomas, operations, constant new lawsuits, and judicial traps, they want to set up barriers against the will of the nation, against you, my fellow citizens. They want to destroy the millions' demand for change, the struggle for rights and law, and the vision of an equal, fair, and free Turkey.”

"MY FELLOW CITIZENS KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TRYING TO DESTROY"

“My nation, to whom I have entrusted myself, and my fellow citizens know best what they are trying to destroy. That is why, since March 19, we have been growing in squares all across the country, standing shoulder to shoulder to show one of the strongest displays of solidarity in this country. Because we believe in this: the religion of the state is justice. A country can only survive through law, trust, and conscience. And justice is necessary not only in courts, but in factories, ports, schools, villages, neighborhoods, plateaus—in other words, right in the middle of life. Even if they restrict my voice, my image, my freedom, and my opportunity to serve this nation, I will continue to be a follower of justice, freedom, and the beautiful days we will leave to our children. Neither prison walls nor the pressure of those hiding behind the stick of the judiciary can stop the love, commitment, and passion for service I feel for this nation… Let them increase their cruelty; we will grow our courage, our solidarity, and our struggle.”

"AS LONG AS YOUR VOICE EXISTS, NEITHER WILL THIS COUNTRY'S HOPE BE LOST NOR WILL THE SEARCH FOR JUSTICE REMAIN UNFINISHED"

“Trabzon, Giresun, Rize, Ordu, Bayburt, Gümüşhane, Artvin, Samsun… The people of these lands know the soil, recognize the water, and do not forget the value of labor. The Black Sea is as strong in its will as it is in its nature. This region, which has been looked down upon, marginalized, and received no investment in return for its votes for years, is now seeking its rights. We want this region to walk toward a future that is revitalized, productive, and keeps its youth. If Trabzon is to become the trade gateway of the Black Sea once again, it will be through the sweat of this people. If young people are to build their future in their own cities, it will be through this struggle. If the streams are to flow freely and the plateaus are to be opened to life rather than plunder, it will be thanks to this will. What is needed here is not investment, but vision. We are ready. We will not hesitate to take the steps that will add the power of the Black Sea to the power of Turkey. This struggle does not proceed with the voice of just one person, but with the common word of millions. As long as your voice exists, neither will this country's hope be lost nor will the search for justice remain unfinished.”

"THIS SQUARE WILL ONCE AGAIN BE THE ADDRESS OF REUNIFICATION"

“I could not be with you physically today, but do not forget this; this will not remain unfinished. In the story we will write together, this square will once again be the address of reunification. My brothers, my fellow citizens… We know; as fierce as the waves of Trabzon and the Black Sea are, their faith is just as vibrant. I grew up with those rough waves of the sea and the exuberant winds of the mountains, just like each of you. Just as those waves crash against the shore, we too will overcome the obstacles ahead by striking against the wall of injustice. They will not make us bow our heads, they will not make us kneel. I will continue the struggle, standing tall like the rugged mountains, vast like the Black Sea, without eating anyone's rights and without letting my own rights be eaten. With the same love, excitement, and enthusiasm as the first day… We will be the winners. Everything will be very beautiful.”

News Source: 12punto