CHP Leader Özgür Özel Speaks to Thousands in Saraçhane: “Istanbul is Speaking”

Addressing a massive crowd gathered in Saraçhane, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel opened his speech by "saluting the will of Istanbul." He declared, "It is not just Özgür Özel speaking here today. In Saraçhane, Istanbul is speaking—you are speaking!" In response, the crowd erupted into chants of "Government resign!" and "Tayyip resign!"

Directly addressing President Erdoğan, Özel said, "Do you hear, Erdoğan? Do you see? The very thing you fear the most is calling out to you." He continued, "What has been unfolding since yesterday has a name—it is a coup attempt. This is the March 19 coup attempt."

Özel accused Erdoğan of fearing Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s potential candidacy, saying, "Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is afraid of Ekrem İmamoğlu becoming a candidate." Drawing a historical parallel, he added, "Erdoğan, 23 years ago, you were the victim in Saraçhane. Are you not ashamed to be the oppressor today?"

"We Must Fill the Streets Together"

Özel emphasized that the issue extends beyond İmamoğlu, warning, "As of last night, the constitution has been completely suspended. What was taken away was not just İmamoğlu’s diploma, but the legal security of every citizen in Turkey." Calling for mass mobilization, he urged, "We must fill the streets together!"

Earlier this morning, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was detained. His lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan, shared a message from the detained mayor via social media. İmamoğlu reassured his supporters, stating, "I am in good spirits, and everyone should be, too. We will emerge from this process even stronger. Nothing is greater than the will and wisdom of the nation."