Istanbul: On the side of Imamoglu, the European mayors

The absolute support for Ekrem Imamogloubut also the firm adherence to the European values ​​of Democracy and respect for the Rule of Law, expressed the Mayor of Athens Kostas Bakoyannis, speaking at an International Solidarity Meeting at the Istanbul City Hall.

The Mayors of Athens, Florence and Hanoveras well as the Secretary General of the European Network Eurocities, -with a physical presence- but also the Mayors of Paris, Utrecht, Linz and Hamburg, provided practical solidarity to their counterpart in Istanbul in which just six months before the crucial presidential elections in Turkey, he was sentenced to at least two years in prison and deprived of his political rights.

“We are here today as Mayors of European cities, as democrats and as representatives of the common constitution of our citizens. We did not come to scatter easy and big words in the air, but to express in practice and with one mind, our support to our friend Ekrem Imamoglou”.

With these words, Kostas Bakoyiannis gave the stamp of his and other European mayors’ presence in Istanbul from the start, while sending the message that “Democracy is not a flag of opportunity, nor are our values ​​a la carte”.

“This case goes back many decades… This specific event is not just a temporary source of sadness and indignation, but a “slippery slope” with serious consequences for Turkey’s European prospects.” […] “To put it simply,” Kostas Bakoyannis explained, “if today the twice-elected Mayor of Istanbul is censored, that is, his freedom of speech is violated, then what will happen tomorrow for democracy in Turkey?” What dawns for its citizens?’

The Mayor of Athens, stated that Ekrem Imamoglu is “a Mayor who worthily serves democracy in the largest city of Turkey, and in practice supports cooperation, peace and prosperity in the wider Balkan region”, adding emphatically that in order to ensure these values ​​should prevail for democracy and the Rule of Law. As he added, the democracy claimed by his counterpart in Istanbul “is not a luxury or an ahistorical “persistence” of some West. It is a necessity for development, a condition for a better life.”

We want the good of our neighborhood and therefore of Turkey”

Costas Bakoyiannis highlighted through his speech the importance of the prevalence of democracy in our neighboring country. “Turkey is our neighbor and we want the good of our neighborhood. So the good of Turkey. You see, the symbols of states may be their flags, but the flags of cities are Democracy and the Rule of Law. There are no dividing lines between municipal authorities, only common points: The values ​​of solidarity and freedom,” he said.

He expressed his confidence in the impartial judgment of the court during the appeal process, but also his faith in Imamoglu’s political strength, stressing that justice will prevail and that the rule of law will win this battle as well.

“The pretentious political neutralization of Ekrem does not work for the benefit of any resident of Istanbul. That’s why our stance is clear and our support firm. We are allies of judicial impartiality. We are defenders of free speech. We stand by Ekrem with the people of Istanbul, for Democracy. On the right side of history,” he concluded.

Mr. Bakoyiannis, after his speech, answering questions from journalists, referred to an earlier, similar support initiative with different “protagonists” and the aim of demonstrating that the power of the principles of democracy are independent of persons and roles.

“For Athens, democracy is not a flag of opportunity”

“For Athens, democracy is not a flag of opportunity, nor are our values ​​a la carte. At the end of the 90s, one of my predecessors, quite rightly, visited the then mayor of Istanbul, who at that time had been unjustly imprisoned. So today I stand by Ekrem in the hope that no other mayor will be needed in the future to express his solidarity so practically that we can move forward for all that unites not only Greece and Turkey but also our own cities . […] “Democracy is a value that transcends national borders, the boundaries of religions and cultures. She is much older than all of us. This is very important to realize, and I say this not only because I have the honor of serving the capital that gave birth to democracy, but because I feel that it is a necessity, extremely relevant in the modern world, and not just an option.”

Imamoglu: “Europe, Turkey and Istanbul will see democracy progress”

For his part, the Mayor of Istanbul, in his speech, said: “Cities and democracies have historically developed together. Therefore, anything that undermines trust between people threatens both cities and democracy. For example, the degeneration of justice with lies and the use of judges as a weapon against the opposition,” and added: “A society that loses its sense of justice loses its chance to be civilized. The fact that Istanbul, fighting for justice, is exposed to a clear injustice that does not fit the conscience of the world, is actually proof that we are on the right path. The apparently legal coup attempt in my person but actually against the will of the citizens of Istanbul, united millions of people who have not lost their sense of justice on a very broad and powerful platform. This platform is based on a universal understanding that does not care about who commits an illegal act against whom, but focuses only on whether what is being done is just and democratic.

The Mayor of Istanbul did broader reference to authoritarian leaders who, as he said, pretend not to belong to the 21st century. “The world is now well aware of how politicians who rose to the leadership of a country after serving as Mayors can drift away from the culture of democracy and reconciliation. Of course, Turkey also has experience in this. In various countries of the world, we see leaders who pretend not to belong to the 21st century and ignore values ​​such as democracy and justice.”

Regarding his own attitude, Mr. Imamoglou said: “In the face of the authoritarian rule of these leaders, those who stand on the side of justice, democracy and truth seem to have lost some ground and are retreating a little. This is not happening. It looks like the movement made by the soccer player who steps back to hit the ball harder. We score the goal and win this match.”

President of the EUROCITIES network: “We are here to show that the international community cannot turn a blind eye”

The Mayors took part in a discussion on the central role and cooperation of cities in matters related to the need to protect democracy and to uphold the Rule of Law.

The Mayor of Florence and President of the EUROCITIES network, Dario Nardella, in his speech, among other things, said: “We are here to underline our support for Ekrem Imamoglu, because mayors are the “voice” of democracy and rights. We are here to show that we are not ignorant of what is happening. The international community cannot turn a blind eye. Ekrem, we are with you for the good of humanity, the good of Europe and the good of our societies”.

The Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo, in her written message, she said: “Ekrem Imamoglu has our full solidarity and support against this unacceptable method. I am sure that justice will prevail.”

The Secretary General of the EUROCITIES network, Andre Sobczak conveyed the support of all members of the Network to the Mayor of Istanbul. “We defend democracy and the Rule of Law. That’s what we’re doing here tonight. This is the message we want to send. You have the full support of our entire strong team,” he noted.

In a taped message, moreover, the Mayor of Linz, Klaus Lugas, underlined: “We must do everything for a better world, but the prerequisite for everything is Democracy. Ekrem Imamoglu is one of those who have done a lot for democracy. I hope that in the coming days and weeks it will win here in Istanbul and in Turkey.”

For her part, Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma noted: “Mayor Imamoglu shows the courage needed to transform his city into a fairer and more sustainable place. He should be supported in his mission rather than persecuted for it. I fully support his important role in protecting our democratic values.”

The Mayor of Hamburg, Peter Chencher, in his own taped message, said: “Cities must be places of democracy, tolerance and freedom. I wish you success in fulfilling your duties as Mayor of this important, traditional city and in continuing your political work.”

The Mayor of Hanover, Turkish origin Belit Onei, noted: “Mayor Imamoglu is just doing what good mayors do for the people. One thing is clear: A state that does not respect human rights and democracy will sooner or later get the “reward” from its people. And a democracy without separation of powers, without the certainty of independent justice and the acceptance of election results and finally without defenses is on the way to its abolition. We are here today to express our solidarity to the people of this country, this city and above all to you, Mr. Imamoglou.”

RES-EMP

Read the News today and get the latest news.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news.