Aktaş took on the job of arresting

Imprisoned Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeydan Karalar , a Republican People's Party (CHP), answered BirGün's questions from Silivri Prison. Karalar, who has been imprisoned for 47 days, touched on a wide range of topics, from his detention process to the support he received from the people of Adana. Karalar stated that he was moved by the support he received from Adana citizens during his detention, saying, "They expressed their outrage in the face of the injustice their mayor suffered in an unprecedented way."

FOUR DAYS IN THE SMELL OF DRUGS

What did you experience at the police station during your detention period?

The detention conditions were terrible. We were held for four days in an unsanitary environment, reeking of marijuana and heroin. Yet, we are people elected by the votes of the esteemed people of this country and hold important positions. Which one of us, the president, was summoned and didn't go to testify? We go to testify whenever they do, but for a different purpose. This treatment of us, who have dedicated our lives solely to our country, our work, and our service, is deeply hurtful.

AZİZ İHSAN AKTAŞ'S DUTY

What was the attitude of the prosecutor and the judge towards you?

In our defense, we explained in detail that we had nothing to do with this incident. We tried to explain that an allegation that occurred before the 2019 elections could not be linked to Beşiktaş. Aziz İhsan Aktaş took it upon himself to have CHP mayors arrested…

JOURNALISTS IN CUSTODY, YOUTH BEING ARRESTED

While being taken to the hospital during your detention, you said, "They will silence anyone who is influential, whether politicians or members of the press." These words were striking and became a hot topic.

This process is alarming for the country's legal system and democracy. This shouldn't happen in a country where the rule of law prevails. Imagine, media outlets and television channels that attempt to fully report what's happening are being blacked out. Critical journalists are being detained. Young people are being arrested during democratic protests. What I said during the detention period is a result of these...

The people of Adana rose up during your detention... Do you have a message you would like to give to the citizens?

I've lived a lifestyle where I've dedicated myself to the tasks I've performed throughout my life. My life has always been about fulfilling important roles. I've always bonded with the employees in the places I've managed. My tenures as factory manager, deputy general manager, and general manager have all been similar. After my time as Mayor of Seyhan, I served as Mayor of Adana Metropolitan Municipality...

Consider such a sacred duty. You've had the opportunity to serve the people you love so much in a city you love so much, and after a long time, you've won both Seyhan and the Metropolitan Municipality. The people deemed you worthy and, with a landslide, entrusted you with the position.

Of course, as someone aware of this, I spent my days and nights serving my fellow citizens. I stood by them in good times and bad. Our relationship fostered a mutual commitment, trust, and ownership. As a result, they expressed their unseen outrage at the injustice their brothers and leaders faced.

They exemplified how to support someone who sacrifices their life, time, and effort for them. In fact, I see that not only the people of Adana, but all of humanity, are supporting them. I offer my endless gratitude and appreciation to them all.

We are simply officials who love our country, serve our nation, and have no other purpose. Adana touched me deeply, and I was filled with pride. May my efforts thus far be well-rewarded. I love them all very much, and my heart goes out to them.

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REQUIRED CANCELLATION OF SUSPENSION

A lawsuit has been filed to overturn the decision to suspend Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeydan Karalar, who was arrested as part of a corruption investigation targeting CHP municipalities. Karalar, who was detained and arrested on July 5, is currently facing legal action. His lawyer, Hüseyin Ersöz, announced that they filed a lawsuit for annulment with the Adana Administrative Court on behalf of his client.

Hüseyin Ersöz's post on the X account regarding the matter is as follows: "We filed a lawsuit for annulment with the Adana Administrative Court on the grounds that this decision violates the fundamental principles of administrative law. In the petition, we briefly touched on the baselessness of the accusations against Zeydan Karalar, their lack of relevance to his current position, and the flawed suspension process in terms of "reason" and "subject matter."

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300 KM BEHIND: CONTINUE THE FIGHT

The CHP Adana Provincial Youth Organization's march to Silivri, Istanbul, demanding the release of Adana Metropolitan Mayor Zeydan Karalar and other mayors continues. Yesterday marked the 14th day of the march. CHP youth reached Şereflikoçhisar, Ankara.

As we lag behind 300 kilometers on the march, CHP Youth Branch Vice President Armağan Baran Özmetin said, “We have received significant public support at every stage of the march we started in Adana.” Özmetin continued, “The main purpose of the march we launched for our mayors and bureaucrats is not only to expose injustices. It is also a march for unemployed young people, retirees condemned to poverty, workers whose rights have been usurped, and all those oppressed by the government.” Özmetin noted that the rising temperatures posed the greatest challenges during the march, saying, “We have arrived in Ankara. When we reach Güvenpark, we will meet with our Chairman Özgür Özel and continue on to Istanbul.” Reiterating his call to struggle, Özmetin said, “Greetings to all our imprisoned mayors.”