Ankara mayor Mansur Yavas condemns Ekrem Imamoglu’s detention

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavas has strongly condemned the police operation targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the detention of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

In a statement on his X account, Yavas warned that any intervention against the will of the people would not go unanswered.

“No interference with the people’s will go without consequences. These unlawful actions—carried out through pressure, threats, and illegitimate methods—will harm our democracy the most. But we will not remain silent! Let no one forget: Mayor Ekrem is not alone!” Yavas stated.

Mass detentions at Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

A large-scale police operation was carried out at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in the early hours of the morning, leading to the detention of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and 105 others. The reasons behind the operation remain unclear, fueling concerns over political interference in local governance.

Everyone in this country who values the rule of law, democracy, and the people’s will must recognize that such actions against an elected mayor are completely unacceptable.

Yesterday, it was the revocation of a diploma. Today, it is police officers stationed outside Ekrem Imamoglu’s home at dawn, followed by the detention of his team. This scene does not reflect a nation governed by the rule of law.

Even though the reasons for the detentions remain unclear, why rush to arrest a mayor who has already appeared in court and given a statement?

If justice is truly the goal, then respecting the fundamental principles of the law must come first.

No interference with the people’s will go without consequences. These unlawful practices—carried out through pressure, threats, and illegitimate methods—will harm our democracy the most. But we will not remain silent!

Let no one forget: Mayor Ekrem is not alone!

Mansur Yavas’ full statement on X