28.08.2025 21:28
The delegation from Eurocities, representing leading cities in Europe, visited the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality along with the B40 Balkan Cities Network. The delegation expressed that they deemed Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was suspended from his position as the Mayor of Istanbul after being arrested, worthy of the "Special Democracy Award," and presented the award to Dilek İmamoğlu.
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The Eurocities, representing leading cities in Europe, and the B40 Balkan Cities Network delegation visited the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM).
IMM DEPUTY MAYOR ASLAN: THE VISIT IS THE MOST CONCRETE SIGN OF SOLIDARITY Speaking during the visit at IMM's building in Saraçhane, IMM Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan stated that the mayors of Eurocities and B40 member cities have been by their side since the early days, noting that the visit is the most concrete sign of their solidarity. Aslan conveyed that the request to meet with Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was removed from the IMM presidency after being arrested as part of a corruption investigation, was rejected by the Ministry of Justice, saying, "We will go to Silivri together and show our support for Ekrem İmamoğlu once again from there."
Nuri Aslan "WE TRUST THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE" Aslan, who mentioned that more than 90 investigations have been opened against İmamoğlu since 2019, continued: "In just this year, our municipal managers, colleagues, journalists, students, and even our family members have been targeted with 9 waves of arrests. Neither the pressures against Ekrem İmamoğlu nor those against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality can divert us from our path. We will continue our struggle for democracy, justice, and freedom with the same determination. We trust the will of the people. Our struggle for democracy, freedom, and justice will continue more strongly both in Istanbul and in Turkey."
"WE ARE TOGETHER FOR FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY, AND THE RULE OF LAW" Eurocities Vice President and Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni also stated that they are alongside İmamoğlu to show their solidarity, saying, "Cities are places where real democracy is tangible. They are places where people's dignity, equality, and public services are experienced, and daily needs are met. Therefore, as European mayors, we are together for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law."
Jaume Collboni "SPECIAL DEMOCRACY AWARD" FOR İMAMOĞLU After his speech, Collboni expressed that they deemed İmamoğlu worthy of the "Special Democracy Award" and presented the award to Dilek İmamoğlu. Dilek İmamoğlu, who received the award, read a message from her husband Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is detained at the Marmara Closed Prison.
After the ceremony here, the delegation went to the Marmara Closed Prison. A statement of support for İmamoğlu was also made there.
Source: AA / ANKA
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