A letter from Hasan Mutlu to the people of Bayrampaşa from prison: We will not give up

Following the arrest of Bayrampaşa Mayor Hasan Mutlu, Bayrampaşa residents gathered in front of the city hall to show solidarity and support. A letter sent from prison by the imprisoned Mayor Mutlu was read by his lawyer daughter, Begüm Nazlı Mutlu. Mutlu's letter included the following:

My friends, my neighbors, I love you so much. I miss you all so much already. I've been involved in education in Bayrampaşa and the region for nearly 35 years. You trusted me and entrusted me with your most precious possessions, your children. In Bayrampaşa alone, I've provided educational support to over 40,000 students and children. I've worked diligently, together with you, to contribute, even in a small way, to the future of our children. I've never let anyone down, and you've never let us down. We loved and trusted you; you loved and trusted me. I miss you and your children so much.

I miss my children coming to me as I entered school, shouting, "Hasan Hoca, Mayor," and embracing me with affection. You trusted me and, with your own free will and your rightful votes, appointed me Mayor of Bayrampaşa. You know very well what I will and will not do. My colleagues and I have always strived to be worthy of your trust. We have done everything for you, our people.

"THIS IS A POLITICAL AND UNLAWFUL OPERATION"

We said, "We will bring back to our citizens what belongs to them." We said, "We will make Bayrampaşa livable, we will create livable spaces for our children and neighbors." We strived to create a happy Bayrampaşa. Together with you and our colleagues, we have accomplished significant things in a short time. We have made significant changes in Bayrampaşa in a short time. We have brought back to you what belongs to you.

We have never engaged in any unlawful or illegal activities. We have always stood against profiteers, exploiters, shameless individuals, and those who violate others' rights. We have never compromised. We have never been afraid of their baseless slander, threats, or attacks. However, as you know, on Saturday, September 13th, my friends and I were detained in a dawn operation. Many of my friends were arrested. The testimonies of those who sought profiteering and violated others' rights were relied upon. Despite presenting every possible evidence, we were not even acknowledged, and we were arrested. This is a politically motivated and unlawful operation.

"THE DARKNESS WILL COME TO LIGHT"

But we will never fear, nor will we be intimidated. We fear no one but God. We trust in God first, and then in you, our valued people. One day, justice will prevail, and darkness will give way to light. You know me; I never feel anger, harbor no arrogance or ego. I have never broken anyone's heart, and I never will. I never use profanity or speak aggressively. I always stand for what is right and just. I am a believer; I fear the rights of others and what is forbidden.

You loved me for who I am and entrusted your children to me. I loved your children as if they were my own. They loved me very much. I always called you "brother, sister." I never belittled my colleagues; I always made sure to be there for them. I loved them very much, and they loved me. My door was always open to everyone. I love you very much, and I trust in God and in you. I know you love and trust me too. I take courage from this love and trust, and I am not afraid. I send my greetings and love to all our citizens, friends, comrades, women, and children.

Source: ANKA