Rıza Akpolat: 'We stand tall against slander'

Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat, who is being held at Silivri Prison, issued a statement on the 327th day of his detention, clearly expressing his stance against the allegations directed at him and his family. Stating that "the price we are paying is a medal of honor hung around our necks," Akpolat emphasized that he is not afraid of being tried and that their innocence will be proven in a short time.

Akpolat expressed his experiences and feelings during the detention process with these words: "My dear neighbors, every day spent away from my family and my duty is challenging. However, my faith in the future and my hope for the bright tomorrows of our country keep me standing. Our strongest response to those who try to obtain through slander the authority they could not win at the ballot box will be to work harder and stand in solidarity."

Akpolat also voiced his demands regarding the court process. Stating that they wanted the hearings to be broadcast live on TRT, Akpolat said that this request was rejected in Parliament but that the process is ongoing. Emphasizing that they did not commit any irregularities during his term in office, Akpolat said, "Every transaction of ours was audited by the Court of Accounts and civil inspectors, and not the slightest irregularity was found."

Stating that the real reason for his detention was the role he played in the change within his party, Akpolat said, "The change we realized disrupted the settings of the established order, and we became a hope for our nation." Expressing his belief that they will be acquitted during the court process and will emerge stronger, Akpolat said, "With God's permission, we will leave here with our heads held high and our consciences clear."

News Source: 12punto