Former Republican people’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu made a series of weekend visits to several prominent political figures currently imprisoned in Turkey, renewing focus on the country’s judicial system and concerns over political imprisonment. Kılıçdaroğlu met wiht both Selahattin Demirtaş, a key figure in the pro-Kurdish HDP, and individuals detained in connection with the 2013 Gezi Park protests. The visits underscore continued support for those facing lengthy legal battles, while notably excluding a meeting with Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu amid ongoing legal challenges to his position.
Former Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu visited imprisoned politicians over the weekend, signaling continued support for those facing legal challenges. The visits come as Turkey grapples with ongoing debates about the rule of law and political freedoms.
Kılıçdaroğlu first traveled to Edirne F Type Prison to meet with Selahattin Demirtaş, the former co-leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). He then went to Silivri Prison, where he visited Can Atalay, a Hatay lawmaker, and Tayfun Kahraman, a former head of the Istanbul branch of the Chamber of Architects. Both Atalay and Kahraman were among those arrested in connection with the 2013 Gezi Park protests and have been held for over three years.
The former CHP leader also visited Şükrü Genç, the former mayor of Sarıyer, and Zeydan Karalar, the mayor of Adana, both currently incarcerated.
Notably, Kılıçdaroğlu did not meet with Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu during his weekend visits. Sources indicate that Kılıçdaroğlu intends to meet with İmamoğlu after reviewing the indictment against the mayor. İmamoğlu, a prominent figure within the CHP, is facing legal scrutiny that many believe is politically motivated.
