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Imprisoned Former Izmir Mayor Vows to Continue Fight

Imprisoned Former Izmir Mayor Vows to Continue Fight

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Former Izmir Mayor Tunç Soyer sent a message from prison, stating he has been incarcerated for 14 months.
  • Soyer vowed to continue his fight with increased strength upon his release, drawing parallels to Nazım Hikmet's poetry.
  • He urged others to identify what gives their lives meaning and to pursue it relentlessly.

Tunç Soyer, the former Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, has conveyed a message from his confinement in the İzmir 1 No'lu F Tipi Yüksek Güvenlikli Ceza İnfaz Kurumu, where he has been held for 14 months.

I know that when I get out, I will continue the struggle with increased strength.

— Tunç SoyerFormer Izmir Mayor Tunç Soyer's message from prison about his future plans.

In his statement, shared via social media, Soyer reflected on the human search for meaning in life, even amidst hardship. He quoted Nazım Hikmet's poem "Some Advice for Those Who Will Be Imprisoned," drawing parallels between the struggle for meaning and personal resilience.

Soyer expressed his conviction that even when facing adversity, such as being "buried in concrete," one can still find the strength to flourish if their virtues, loved ones, and hopes remain intact. He considers himself fortunate to have discovered the purpose of his life early on and has consistently fought for it without hesitation.

You, you be sure of what makes your life meaningful, and never leave it..!

— Tunç SoyerFormer Izmir Mayor Tunç Soyer's advice to readers in his message from prison.

"I know that when I get out, I will continue the struggle with increased strength," Soyer declared, referencing a line from Hikmet's poem. He concluded by urging readers to ensure they know what gives their lives meaning and to pursue it steadfastly. "Stay well," he added.

Lucky me; I found the meaning of my life very early and never hesitated, never gave up fighting for it.

— Tunç SoyerFormer Izmir Mayor Tunç Soyer reflecting on his life's purpose in his message from prison.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.