CHP Chairman Özgür Özel made statements in Silivri ahead of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) trial, where the imprisoned Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu, is set to present his defense. Criticizing the appointment of a trustee to Halk TV, Özel argued that the decision is part of the government's effort to silence opposition media outlets.
Responding to journalists' questions, Özel stated that television stations that amplify the voice of the opposition are being targeted, saying, "Were we expecting that a few television stations that amplify the voice of the opposition would have trustees appointed to them and be shut down? We were. Would they appoint a trustee to Halk TV? They would. When would they do it? When they reached the very end, they would do that too."
Özel claimed that there is an attempt to prevent issues currently being debated by the public and İmamoğlu's defense from reaching a wider audience. Stating that "this is a sign of this government's exhaustion, desperation, and helplessness," Özel said the decision should not lead to demoralization within the opposition.
Sending a message of solidarity to Halk TV employees and management, Özel stated that they would continue to make their voices heard through opposition channels, social media, and new platforms. "We will show our solidarity with Halk TV during the day," Özel said.
In his statement, Özel emphasized that they would continue the struggle, using the phrase, "Nothing will be easy." He addressed party members and supporters with the words, "Until that day, we will be pressured, we will suffer, we will face oppression, perhaps very bad things will happen to us, but we will not surrender."
The CHP leader stated that İmamoğlu and Halk TV are "standing tall," adding, "The end has come for some, but we are just getting started. No one should lose heart."
News Source: 12punto
