In his article in recent days in the French newspaper Le Monde, entitled “I refuse to believe that democracy, justice and freedom are no longer timely issues”, the prisoner of Constantinople, Imamoglou denounces a coup against democracy in Turkey Referring to his personal adventures with the regime Erdogan.

Recalling that Franz Kafka began writing the “trial” in the summer of 1914, at a time when World War I had erupted and people were entering “in a period of insecurity, generalized suspicion and easy hatred”, Imamoglou, I Concepts. ” And continues by stating the following:

“From a lonely cell of 12 sqm, in Marmara Prisons, I write these lines, imprisoned in a Kafkian trial, accused of falsifying a formal document – in particular, my university degree – and facing prison sentences for up to eight years and nine months. Little detail: The indictment does not determine which official document is allegedly falsified. “

Continuing the prisoner, the mayor writes that at the age of 19 he was studying at the American University of Girne, in occupied Cyprus, and that in 1990 he applied for a transfer to the University of Constantinople, which was approved.

“After four years of study at the Business Administration School, I graduated successfully in 1994. On March 18th this year, this degree was canceled by the University of Constantinople. The dean of the school resigned, refusing to legalize this illegal act. I appealed to the Administrative Court, which initially issued a ruling in my favor. However, the Supreme Judicial Council, whose majority of members are appointed by President Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party removed the judge from the case. At the same time, criminal proceedings began, with no evidence of falsification. Like Joseph K., I ignore the “crime” for which I am accused, “writes Ekrem Imamoglu, adding:” The cancellation of the degree has no purpose but to prevent my candidacy in the 2028 presidential election, as a university is required for a university. My real “guilt”, in the eyes of power, are my three electoral victories in the Municipality of Constantinople – while President Erdogan is well aware that “anyone who wins Constantinople, wins Turkey”.