The recent jailing of Istanbul’s popular mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, has sent shockwaves through Turkey, sparking concerns about the future of Turkish democracy. His wife, Dilek Kaya Imamoglu, in a poignant interview with AFP, detailed the family’s struggle and her unwavering belief in the resilience of the Turkish people. The case, laden with accusations and a potential 2,430-year sentence, is widely seen as a politically motivated attempt to disqualify Imamoglu from challenging President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the 2028 elections.
The Human Cost of Political Turmoil
Dilek Kaya Imamoglu described the arrest as a deeply traumatic experience for her and her children. “It’s an extremely difficult time for our children and for me… but we hold onto one another,” she shared, highlighting the emotional toll the ordeal has taken on the family. The early morning raid, with hundreds of police descending on their home, remains vividly etched in her memory, particularly the fear in her children’s eyes.
However, Imamoglu’s immediate response to his family – a message of hope and resilience – became a cornerstone of their strength. “We will hold our heads high and never lose hope,” he told them, a sentiment his wife echoed in her interview. This refusal to succumb to despair, she explained, has transformed their hardship into a source of solidarity and determination.
A Shadow Over Turkish Politics
The charges against Ekrem Imamoglu are extensive and controversial. A 4,000-page indictment accuses him of leading a criminal network and wielding influence “like an octopus,” encompassing allegations of graft, bribery, and money laundering. Critics argue that these accusations are fabricated and designed to eliminate a formidable political opponent.
The timing of the arrest, just before Imamoglu was officially nominated as the opposition CHP’s presidential candidate, further fuels these suspicions. The ensuing unrest marked the most significant public demonstration of dissent Turkey has witnessed since the Gezi Park protests of 2013. This case isn’t just about one man; it’s a stark illustration of the pressures facing political opposition in Turkey.
Maintaining Hope Behind Bars
Despite the gravity of the situation, Dilek Kaya Imamoglu reports that her husband remains remarkably optimistic. Weekly visits to Silivri prison, where numerous other Erdogan opponents are also held, are “very precious, but also very heavy.” Imamoglu spends his time in prison working, taking notes, and formulating ideas for the future of Turkey, demonstrating a continued commitment to public service even in confinement.
“’My freedom is in my mind,’ he says,” his wife revealed. He draws strength from the outpouring of support – letters, messages, and visitors – reminding him that he is not alone in his struggle. This internal fortitude, she believes, is crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.
International Response and Domestic Solidarity
The international community’s reaction to Imamoglu’s arrest has been a source of disappointment for Dilek Kaya Imamoglu. She expressed frustration with the “silence” from countries that profess to champion rule of law and democratic values. “While the will of millions in Turkey is being ignored, countries that claim to defend democracy have often chosen to remain silent,” she stated.
However, she emphasized that the most significant support comes from within Turkey itself. “Our greatest support is not international reaction, but the solidarity of millions in Turkey who believe in justice, freedom and democracy.” This domestic solidarity extends to the families of other imprisoned political figures, such as Selahattin Demirtas and Osman Kavala.
Standing with Other Victims of Repression
Dilek Kaya Imamoglu explicitly voiced her solidarity with the spouses of Demirtas and Kavala, both of whom have been incarcerated for nearly a decade. “Today I share the patience and resilience of the spouses of Selahattin Demirtas and Osman Kavala,” she said. She finds strength in their shared experiences, recognizing that they are all united in their fight for justice.
She acknowledged the anxieties surrounding her husband’s potential fate, mirroring those faced by other families. “As a spouse, it is impossible not to worry. Decisions by the European Court of Human Rights and the Constitutional Court are being ignored. Our constitution is not being applied, and attempts are being made to normalise lawlessness.”
A Fight for the Future of Turkey
Despite the pervasive “injustice,” Dilek Kaya Imamoglu remains hopeful for a positive outcome. She believes that justice will ultimately prevail and that her husband, along with his colleagues, will be acquitted “for the sake of all 86 million citizens of our country.”
While she has stepped into the public eye, attending rallies and supporting other jailed officials, she firmly stated she has no intention of entering politics herself. “The politician in our household is Ekrem,” she clarified. Her focus remains on supporting her husband and working to heal the “heavy wounds” inflicted on democracy in Turkey.
She recognizes the pressures on fundamental rights – freedom of the press, judicial independence, and basic liberties – but maintains an unwavering belief in the power of the Turkish people. “No matter how intense the pressure, the conscience of the people will ultimately prevail. That is where I draw my hope.” The case of Ekrem Imamoglu, therefore, is not merely a personal tragedy, but a crucial test of the enduring strength of democratic principles within Turkey.