Hasan Akgün thanks TELE1 and Merdan Yanardağ

Büyükçekmece Mayor Hasan Akgün, who was arrested as part of operations targeting CHP municipalities, sent a written message from Silivri Prison.

In his message, Akgün thanked TELE1 and TELE1 Editor-in-Chief Merdan Yanardağ.

Akgün, stating that he was arrested based on false allegations, said, "We became the target of baseless accusations and gossip from those who failed to fulfill their political interests and gains. Lies and slander were fabricated based on projects we carried out with our municipality, our people, and our charitable citizens."

Akgün, emphasizing that there was no legal or logical justification for his arrest, said, "There is no legal or logical justification for my being in Silivri right now. My companions and I were chosen by the free will of our citizens. Our place should have been on duty, alongside our people, not behind bars. We set out on this path not for positions, but for our nation."

Akgün said the following in his message:

"First of all, I send my love, respect and greetings from Silivri.

Dear brother Merdan, I would like to thank you endlessly on behalf of myself and my friends who are political prisoners like me, for the support you have given us with your comments and news during this dark period we are going through, and for making our voices heard.

I also congratulate the TELE1 TV Family, who only give the truth to the public and always stand on the side of what is right, for the struggle they have put forth.

It's certainly impossible to capture my entire 50-plus years of service in municipal governance in just a few lines. However, I've shared with you the core practices that shaped my vision and understanding of municipal governance, broken down into key topics, in the accompanying documents.

Today, our country is experiencing a period where the value of writers who defend democracy, truth, and the free will of the people is felt more acutely than ever. You, who use your pens to inform the public and uphold the unwavering values ​​of the Republic, carry the strongest light on the path from darkness to light. Therefore, your stance and your writings are more valuable and meaningful today than ever before.

My life in municipal affairs, which began when I was only 18, has now spanned over 50 years, spanning over half a century. Throughout this time, I have worked tirelessly, day and night, often leaving my family behind, solely for my people. I was elected mayor of Büyükçekmece for seven terms, with the trust and agency of my extended family.

I have always held public property dearer than my own; I have never tolerated any wrongdoing.

I have performed all these services with the spirit of the National Forces and I continue to do so.

I have never compromised my principles.

From 2003 until today, I have represented my country with honor as the most senior member of the Turkish National Delegation at the Local and Regional Congress of the Council of Europe (YBYK).

I personally experienced September 12th, February 28th, and July 15th; each was a time when the will of the people was ignored and democracy was disrupted. Unfortunately, our nation has always paid the price for these interventions. We face a similar situation today. Political interference in elected mayors casts a shadow over the free will of the people.

Because I consistently served in the opposition, I was subject to monthly audits due to our country's political mindset and the prevailing justice mechanisms. That wasn't enough; due to my commitment to transparency, I had myself audited periodically by private inspectors and documented that all my actions were within the law.

SO WHY AM I IN SILIVRI DUNGARY TODAY?

We became the target of baseless accusations and gossip from those who failed to advance their political interests. Lies and slander were fabricated based on projects we implemented with our municipality, our people, and our philanthropic citizens.

There's no legal or logical reason for me to be in Silivri right now. My companions and I were elected by the free will of our citizens. Our place should be at the helm of duty, alongside our people, not behind bars. We embarked on this journey not for office, but for our nation.

I ask:

As a mayor elected seven times in a row with the public's trust for half a century, should I be in the Silivri dungeon because of gossip and baseless accusations, instead of being on the ground for the city's future and the safety of our citizens?

At a time when a major earthquake is on the horizon, shouldn't I be with my people at the beginning of our Urban Transformation projects?

These unlawful practices, which I have witnessed in my half-century as a municipal official, have brought tears, suffering, and economic losses to our nation and have distanced our country from the path of modern civilization. They have served only the interests of our enemies and imperialist powers.

Our salvation lies in preserving the values ​​of our Republic, strengthening our democracy and economy, and reaching the level of contemporary civilization by walking on the enlightened path of our Ata.

May Almighty Allah help our nation and our country.

I wholeheartedly believe that with your support, the truth will be conveyed accurately during this period, and I offer my love and respect until we meet again in brighter days.

Dr. Hasan Akgün Mayor of Büyükçekmece – Silivri

Source: News Center