Imprisoned Ekrem İmamoğlu Sends Message of Solidarity to Young Protesters

Ekrem İmamoğlu, the detained Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor and presidential candidate for the Republican People’s Party (CHP), shared a powerful message addressed directly to Turkish youth from his cell in Silivri Prison.

In a heartfelt social media post, İmamoğlu praised the courage of young people who have faced detention during the ongoing political turmoil:

“The young people detained and arrested in this process are our young people. You are our pride. We will prevent the harm they want to inflict on you together, and we will protect you and our families until the end.”

Imamoğlu’s Inspirational Message: "You Will Make History!"

Addressing Turkey's youth, İmamoğlu wrote:

“Dear Young People,
You were the first to overcome the walls of fear. You were the first to rebel against the mindset stealing your future, your hopes, your will—ignoring you and disrespecting you.

The spirit of time calls you. With your intelligence, sincerity, high sense of justice, your spirit that destroys prejudices, and your solidarity, you will embrace everyone and bring this beautiful country into the light, a future that will belong to you.

These conspiracies, lies, and deceits do not affect me at all. They should not affect you either.

Remember, I told you this struggle would be long and rocky. We have overcome the biggest obstacle already. Ignore the aggressive words of a handful of people unable to face the public. They know they will lose.

The path of democracy and the Republic is the path of our nation. Our nation will win. The youth will win. A handful of people will lose.

History will write about you, young people! You will make history and be an example to the world.

REMEMBER!
OUR PATH IS LONG, OUR EXCITEMENT IS HIGH, WE HAVE YOUTH!
WE ARE TURKISH YOUTH THIRSTING FOR JUSTICE.
WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP!”

İmamoğlu’s message is meant to boost morale and strengthen solidarity among those detained amid protests following his arrest and comes as opposition parties and youth activists across Turkey continue calling for justice and democratic rights.