Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu has vowed to continue his fight for democracy following his recent detention, calling on Turkish citizens to head to the polls in a show of defiance.
In a message posted on X, Imamoğlu denounced the actions against him as a “blow to democracy” and urged unity in overturning what he described as a “dark stain” on the country.
“Korkunun ecele faydası yok” (Fear does not delay fate), Imamoğlu wrote. “You will be defeated — whether this way or that. You will be defeated by our righteousness, our courage, our humility, and our smiles.”
Addressing his supporters, he added: “My dear nation, never be sad, never lose hope. Together, we will remove this dark mark from our democracy.”
Imamoğlu also issued a call to action ahead of the upcoming elections, urging Turkey’s 86 million citizens to make their voices heard.
“I invite all my fellow citizens to rush to the ballot box and show the world our fight for democracy and justice,” he said, vowing to remain steadfast.
“I stand tall and will never bow. Everything will be beautiful.”
Imamoğlu’s detention has sparked widespread protests and drawn criticism from rights groups, who accuse the government of attempting to silence political opposition ahead of key elections. /BV
