16.04.2025 15:01
MHP (Nationalist Movement Party) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's call for a swift resolution to the Ekrem İmamoğlu case has been commented on by İmamoğlu for the first time. İmamoğlu stated, "I find the observations and call of MHP Chairman Mr. Devlet Bahçeli regarding the judicial process that my colleagues and I have been subjected to quite significant."
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The first statement from Ekrem İmamoğlu came in response to MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's call for the rapid conclusion of the İmamoğlu case.
Responding directly to Bahçeli's words, "If the suspect Ekrem İmamoğlu is innocent, his acquittal must be ensured as soon as possible, and if not, his punishment must be in accordance with the public conscience," İmamoğlu stated, "I find Bahçeli's call significant."
"PROTESTS ARE NOT THE CAUSE OF CRISIS, CHAOS, AND CONFUSION"
Here is the full text of İmamoğlu's statement:
My esteemed nation,
The attempts to detain and arrest me and my colleagues, who set out with the effort to serve my country and my nation during the blessed month of Ramadan, through dawn operations conducted at our homes, have not been accepted by the public conscience. Our esteemed nation has once again shown how much it is committed to democracy and its will, with a clear, genuine, strong response.
The strong reaction our nation has given against this intervention in democracy is not only a defense of its own will but also a rightful outcry against the increasingly anti-democratic practices in our country, our worn-out justice system, and the economic collapse that darkens the future of our nation and the hopes of our youth.
The protests, which are devoid of violence and where Turkish flags wave everywhere, against our detention, are certainly not the cause of the crisis, chaos, and confusion our country is experiencing. The real cause of the crisis, chaos, and confusion inflicted on Turkey today is the coup attempt being attempted through the judiciary. It is President Erdoğan who threatens with crisis, chaos, and confusion.
"I FIND BAHÇELİ'S CALL QUITE SIGNIFICANT"
This political operation carried out through the judiciary has further shaken the already weak trust of our nation in the justice system, leading to further decay of our ancient values and institutions. The practices that disregard the sacred family structure we all hold dear, carried out at dawn against elected politicians, and even the open unlawfulness that leads to the annulment of a 35-year diploma have caused severe damage to the conscience of the nation. Repairing this crisis inflicted on our country, ensuring that our nation's will is not subjected to further disrespect, and that judicial processes progress in a truly fair manner, free from politics, is essential for the future of our country and the conscience of our nation.
In these days when our justice system is intensely debated and distrust in the judiciary has reached its peak, I find the observations and call of MHP Chairman Mr. Devlet Bahçeli regarding the judicial process we have been subjected to, along with my colleagues, quite significant.
Entering the new century of our Republic not with this picture that divides our nation and disrupts our unity, but with the hope of a Turkey free of terrorism at home and the determination and effort to fight against the threats to our country's unity abroad is not a choice but an obvious necessity. Our region has turned into a ring of fire, while a paradigm shift unseen in recent years in world politics is taking place, and as the rules of the global economic system are being rewritten, there is no more important issue for Turkey than being fortified in unity, togetherness, and brotherhood.
"NO ONE SHOULD DOUBT OUR STRUGGLE"
On the occasion of Mr. Bahçeli's statement, I would like to emphasize the following; Turkey has serious existential issues such as economy, security, and justice. The way to reach a Turkey that does not have existential issues is through a strong and effective state, a prosperous nation, and a fair judiciary. In a place where society is even concerned about fundamental rights and has almost completely lost trust in the system, it is out of the question to talk about power, prosperity, and justice.
To achieve a strong, prosperous, and just Turkey, we have embarked on a difficult and long road, observing the principle of "I do not eat rights, nor do I let my rights be eaten," while safeguarding the rights of our nation. On this path, even if we pay a price and endure hardship, no one should have the slightest doubt that we will fight for our nation.
Without becoming a democratic and just country in the sense that everyone desires for our country, stability, progress, and prosperity cannot be achieved. Our greatest wish, hope, and effort is for the citizens of the Republic of Turkey to attain the prosperity and justice they deserve.
I extend my deepest respects and love.
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