Version imprimableThe Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP) makes this international solidarity call, as our country stands on the brink of dictatorship.
A year has passed since the March 31st local elections, in which AKP lost many important municipalities and its position as the leading party after 22 years. During this time, the dual pressures of the major economic crisis and the ongoing governability crisis became even more devastating for large segments of Turkish society. The Palace Regime has completely lost its social legitimacy and it currently survives on large scale repression. In this atmosphere, Istanbul’s second-time elected mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, has become a popular political figure and Erdogan’s main rival in the next presidential elections.
On March 18th, the Palace Regime initiated a coordinated political attack against Ekrem Imamoglu. First, his university diploma was annulled overnight, with the aim of blocking his candidacy in the next presidential race. The next morning, he was taken from his house to give testimony in a politically motivated sham investigation. He was being held in custody since March 19th on charges of corruption and terrorism. On March 23rd, Ekrem Imamoglu was formally arrested by court order. Mayors of some other Istanbul districts and their colleagues were also arrested on judicially baseless charges. Hundreds of thousands all over Turkey have taken to the streets to support Imamoglu, protesting against his unlawful detention. The government responded by unleashing the police on peaceful protestors, censoring social media channels, and detaining people for participating in meetings. Hundreds of students and citizens, including our party members, are currently held in custody.
This de facto civilian coup marks a very dark turn for Turkey’s future. However, popular resistance from citizens of all ages and all walks of life continues to grow in the face of government repression and authoritarianism. Turkish people will not accept the death sentence of their democracy. We realize that this is an existential struggle and we will defend our dignity to the very end. We will continue to fight for our freedoms, for our democracy, and for justice. We demand the immediate release of our elected mayors and of all the protesters held in custody.
We invite the international community and our friends to stand in solidarity with the democratic forces in Turkey and with millions of Turkish citizens who are relentlessly defending their right to vote.
RAISE YOUR VOICE FOR TURKEY!
