19.03.2025 16:51
A protest was held in front of the CHP Headquarters to react to the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Simultaneously, a press statement was made by the party's provincial chairpersons in all 81 provinces, accompanied by a statement from CHP Spokesperson Deniz Yücel. Yücel said, "We will not let our comrades be consumed; we are by their side and behind them. Our vigil for democracy will continue here. Do not leave this place."
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After the cancellation of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu's university diploma due to lack of validity and open error, the process continued today with İmamoğlu's detention. As part of the investigations related to terrorist organizations and organized crimes against IMM, İmamoğlu, along with Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan, Beylikdüzü Mayor Murat Çalık, and 84 others, were detained. A protest was held in front of the CHP Headquarters to react to the detentions. The protest was attended by deputy chairpersons, members of parliament, mayors, party members, representatives of different political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens.
"AN OPEN COUP ATTEMPT AGAINST THE PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO VOTE AND BE ELECTED" Deniz Yücel, speaking in front of the headquarters, said: "Turkey started the day with a major political attack from the Erdoğan government, which is trying to extend its political life by targeting the people's right to vote and be elected, and the will of the people. Erdoğan and the narrow interest group around him have made an open coup attempt against the people's right to vote and be elected. This is a total attack on the nation. In the last election held in our country, our Republican People's Party became the first party in Turkey with the will of the people. This great power, which has risen with the will of the people, has become the nightmare of the government with its understanding of populist municipalism, determination for primaries, and principles of transparent and fair governance. And now, those who realize they cannot win through elections are resorting to tyranny. The target is not only the Republican People's Party but the nation itself. Our presidential candidate for the primaries, Ekrem İmamoğlu, who has been the target of government attacks multiple times for defeating Erdoğan at the polls four times, along with his colleagues in Istanbul, our mayors, comrades, journalists, intellectuals, and citizens from all walks of life have been detained as of this morning.
"THIS IS A STRUGGLE TO PROTECT THE FUTURE OF 86 MILLION" Using force to make decisions in place of the people or to obstruct their will is a coup. Right now, there is a power that aims to prevent the people from determining the next president. This power is a narrow and small interest group that wants to hold the country hostage for its own rule. If this power is not neutralized, the safety of life and property for our 86 million citizens will be at risk, and our country will be dragged into disaster. Similarly, this political minority, which sees all kinds of recklessness as its right, has also begun to act as of this morning to suspend the fundamental principles and functioning of our Republic, which has lasted for over 100 years, and to destroy our multi-party democratic life. The Republican People's Party and Ekrem İmamoğlu are the common voice, common breath, and common will of everyone who demands justice and democracy. This struggle is not only Ekrem İmamoğlu's or the Republican People's Party's struggle. This struggle is to protect the future of 86 million. Today, our great nation, the Republican People's Party, and Ekrem İmamoğlu stand firm and resolutely against this coup. As the Republican People's Party, we did not bow to the government's traps yesterday, and we do not bow today. We do not conduct politics within the limits set by the government. Ekrem İmamoğlu is entrusted to our nation. The real power is the nation, and in the end, the nation will surely win. There is no doubt that it will be so again. As the Republican People's Party, we draw our strength from our nation and our Republic. We are determined, we do not bow. We announce the promise of the people's power. We call out to those trying to hold the country hostage, 'Do not run away from the ballot box, fight bravely.' And from here, we call out to all our nation, we invite all lovers of the Republic. Let's meet at the primary election ballot boxes on March 23. With our votes, our will, and our organized power, let's put an end to this lawlessness."
"WE WILL NOT LET OUR COMRADES BE EATEN" Yücel concluded his speech with the words, "We will not let our comrades be eaten; we are with them, we are behind them. Our democracy vigil will continue here. Do not leave from here. We will continue to stand by the will of our nation, democracy, and our President Ekrem." After Yücel's speech, party members continued to wait in front of the headquarters.
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