Imprisoned Istanbul Mayor’s Wife Dilek İmamoğlu Wrote for The Economist: The Public is Saying ‘Enough’

The British-based magazine The Economist featured an article written by Dilek İmamoğlu, the wife of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the presidential candidate of Turkey’s Republican People’s Party (CHP). In the article titled “Ekrem İmamoğlu’s wife explains how the arrest of a mayor sparked a movement,” Dilek İmamoğlu stated that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan would not be able to defeat democracy by imprisoning a presidential candidate.

The article highlights the process through which Ekrem İmamoğlu became the Mayor of Istanbul, with Dilek İmamoğlu sharing how she supported her husband at every stage. It also touches on Turkey’s ongoing economic crisis, the collapse of the rule of law, and the pressure faced by Ekrem İmamoğlu, particularly his arrest and how it mobilized millions of people.

“CHP’s Victory in the 2024 Local Elections Shows the Public is Saying ‘Enough’”

Dilek İmamoğlu noted that her husband’s arrest on March 19 had caused widespread sorrow and anger across Turkey. She pointed out that the ruling AKP government was pushing Turkey toward a more authoritarian regime. While Ekrem İmamoğlu had long faced pressure, Dilek İmamoğlu emphasized that these attacks had intensified in recent months.

She mentioned Ekrem İmamoğlu’s major political victories, including his success in taking Istanbul from the AKP in the March 2019 local elections and defeating them twice more since. Dilek İmamoğlu interpreted CHP’s success in the 2024 local elections as a clear sign that the public was saying “enough.” She explained, “There were campaigns to discredit İmamoğlu, legal obstacles put in place, and even an attempt to prevent his presidential candidacy by invalidating his university diploma, which he had earned 31 years ago.”

“Ekrem’s Imprisonment Mobilized People Across Turkey”

Dilek İmamoğlu asserted that the aim of Ekrem’s arrest was to intimidate him and the people, but instead, it had galvanized millions across the country. Regardless of political divisions, age, gender, or background, people across Turkey saw this moment as a turning point for the country’s democracy. Ekrem’s case has come to symbolize the collapse of the rule of law, the shrinking space for freedom of expression, and the growing divide between the government and those who feel their votes are disregarded.

“Ekrem İmamoğlu Represents the Call for Fair Governance by Millions”

Dilek İmamoğlu pointed out that Turkey was struggling with economic, political, and institutional crises. The inflation has impoverished the public, the education system has collapsed, and young people are leaving the country. However, she observed that hope was rising within society, and the strengthening of the CHP reflected the public’s desire for change. She stated, “Ekrem İmamoğlu received support from more than 15 million people in the open primary of the CHP, representing the demand for fair governance of millions.” As his wife, she pledged to continue the fight, drawing strength from “the women, mothers, students, and workers in Turkey.”

“Individuals Cannot Be Silenced by Imprisonment”

Dilek İmamoğlu emphasized that while she acknowledged the difficulties, individuals could not be silenced through imprisonment. “Justice cannot be banned, and conscience cannot be imprisoned,” she said. She concluded by stating, “This country has gone through dark periods, but it will emerge from this one by preserving its democratic will. We owe this not only to the founders of the republic but also to every individual who has taken to the streets in search of a better future, regardless of age or background.”