31.01.2025 12:31
After giving a statement, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu addressed the crowd gathered in front of the Çağlayan Courthouse and briefly handed the microphone to Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Mayor Mansur Yavaş. In his speech, Yavaş stated, "They want to turn Turkey into an open-air prison," and added, "Those who say Silivri is cold should know that this is shameful. When we are in power, we will close Silivri Prison."
Mayor of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mansur Yavaş expressed his support for İBB President Ekrem İmamoğlu, who made a statement after meeting with citizens following his testimony at Çağlayan Courthouse.
MANSUR YAVAŞ: LET'S CLOSE SILIVRI
Yavaş, to whom İmamoğlu presented the microphone, said, "We came here today to show solidarity with Ekrem İmamoğlu. From here, we will go to Silivri. We will visit Ümit Özdağ and Suat Toktaş. They want to turn Turkey into an open-air prison. Those who say 'Silivri is cold' should know that this is shameful. After the change of power, let’s close Silivri as the beginning of democracy. And let’s pave the way for a new life, for free days together. None of us are afraid of being judged," he said.
Highlights from Yavaş's statements;
"Actually, we say get well soon to Istanbul. I do not say get well soon to our democracy and law. It should not. The law must always prevail. If you look at the situations we have experienced in the last few months, the slightest statement or tweet from someone leads to their being taken from their home at night.
They want to turn Turkey into an open-air prison. However, the indispensable elements of democracy are freedom of the press and freedom of thought. People should express their opinions freely. However, tweets are posted, and people are taken into custody. Now, as a lawyer, I say this. The tweet is out there; it doesn't go anywhere. The public prosecutor cannot decide whether this is a crime or not. They take it, claim it, and open a case. If there is a person at the end of the trial, they will serve their sentence. However, the sudden arrest and detention is highly wrong, as this measure should be the last resort in law. You cannot restrict people's freedom in any way.
You cannot make decisions separate from the law. And you post a tweet, and someone writes underneath, 'Silivri is cold.' They think they are making a joke. Those who write 'Silivri is cold' should know that this is not a joke, but a shameful thing for our democracy, our law, and our country. Therefore, I will work with all my strength to ensure that the country achieves real democracy and that the separation of powers is established as soon as possible.
We will establish democracy and law in this country, and hopefully, from now on, no one will be arrested for what they say, their opinions, or their writings, regardless of who they are. None of us are afraid of being judged or investigated. There is no such world. Of course, you will judge, and in the end, you will make a decision. Dear friends, valuable Istanbulites, we will go to Silivri shortly and visit those who are unnecessarily detained there, as there is no trial yet, and some remain detained without any cases being opened.
However, perhaps they will all be acquitted. We will visit them. Therefore, since "Silivri is cold" has become a saying since the FETÖ period, my dear President, valuable Istanbulites, hopefully, after the change of power, let’s close Silivri as the beginning of democracy! Let’s close Silivri!
And let’s pave the way for a new life, for free days together. Once again, I wish my president a speedy recovery. I extend my greetings and respect to all of you on behalf of all Ankara residents. May God protect you."