Statement from imprisoned Şile Mayor Kabadayı

"My conscience and my understanding of duty are completely at ease. I have full faith that the truth will come to light sooner or later and that justice will be served fairly," said Kabadayı, who included the following in a post on his social media account:

"I was included in a legal process as part of an investigation that began with me being taken into custody from my home in the middle of the night. Since the day we took office, we have worked for the people of Şile with a transparent, fair, and public-interest-based approach. In every step we have taken, we have strived to look out for the interests of our people and to use public resources in the most accurate way. This process I have been drawn into today does not seem to be directed only at me; it appears to be part of an effort carried out against the management approach we represent and the will of the people. I evaluate what has happened not as a judicial process, but as a reflection of political pressure and perception operations."

However, I must state this clearly: My conscience and my understanding of duty are completely at ease. I have full faith that the truth will come to light sooner or later and that justice will be served fairly. My only request in this process is that I be tried fairly, in accordance with the rule of law and universal legal principles, rather than for political purposes or due to external directives, and that all processes be conducted in accordance with equity. Only in this way can the truth be reached at the end of the trial.

The struggle we have waged for our Şile to be a fairer, more livable city will continue. I heartfully thank all my fellow citizens who have provided support and shown solidarity. These difficult days will surely pass. We will be with our people again, on the streets of Şile, with hope and faith."

News Source: 12punto