Adalar holds eighth weekly justice vigil for detained Ali Ercan Akpolat and colleagues

The Justice Vigil in Istanbul’s Adalar district has entered its eighth week, with residents continuing to demand the release of detained Mayor Ali Ercan Akpolat and other municipal officials and employees.

Büyükada Clock Square again became the meeting point for families of detainees, island residents and supporters. Those named among the detainees include Deputy Mayor Fırat Durak, Municipal Council Member Mehmet Nuri Kaya and municipal staff. Gözde Acır, head of the YENİ Party’s Adalar district branch, youth branch leader Ramazan Yıldız and Sezai Akyürek, head of the Belediye-İş union’s Istanbul No. 4 branch, also attended.

Acır called for the detainees to be freed without delay. “We are holding our Justice Vigil this week as every week, for justice, law and democracy,” she said. “This struggle is not only for our detained comrades; it is for all citizens who believe in the rule of law and justice. Our vigil will continue until our last detainee regains freedom. With solidarity, determination and all together.”

The statement said the detainees had been taken into custody and then arrested following a dawn operation on June 19. Participants called for the proceedings to be conducted fairly and in line with the principles of a state governed by law. The next vigil was announced for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Büyükada Clock Square.

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We are holding our Justice Vigil this week as every week, for justice, law and democracy. This struggle is not only for our detained comrades; it is for all citizens who believe in the rule of law and justice. Our vigil will continue until our last detainee regains freedom. With solidarity, determination and all together.