Imprisoned Mayor İmamoğlu sends message of hope from jail

Imprisoned Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has released a video message from Silivri Prison, drawing parallels between a sparrow that visited his cell and the hope for Turkey's future. The message, shared via the Presidential Candidate Office's social media, references July 21, the day Özgür Özel reportedly left the CHP and announced the YENİ Parti. "I will not forget July 21, when this little bird landed in my courtyard. You don't forget, don't let them forget either," İmamoğlu stated, emphasizing the historical significance of the date. He described the sparrow's visit as a moment of hope amidst the harsh realities of prison life, noting the sounds of the prison and the high walls. İmamoğlu named the sparrow 'Umut' (Hope) and 'Neşe' (Joy), seeing them as symbols of resilience. He also conveyed a message of optimism for the nation, stating, "Just as hope came to this dilapidated courtyard with the wings of a sparrow, prosperity, happiness, and justice will come to the country." The mayor also responded to a joke by comedian Deniz Göktaş about him reading four books simultaneously in prison, acknowledging the abundance of time available for reading and finding humor in the situation.

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I will not forget July 21, when this little bird landed in my courtyard. You don't forget, don't let them forget either.