İnan Güney Expresses Joy Over Release of Associates in İBB Case, Vows to Continue 'Democracy Vigil'

Cumhuriyet newspaper reports on a significant development in the İBB case, where 15 individuals, including close associates of Beyoğlu Mayor İnan Güney, have been released. The case, which has seen 414 defendants including presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu, is closely watched in Turkey, with many seeing it as politically motivated.

Mayor Güney, currently detained, shared his joy over the release of his private secretary Seyhan Özcan and brother-in-law İsmail Akkaya. He described Özcan as a long-time colleague and Akkaya as his brother-in-law, highlighting the personal impact of their detention and subsequent release. Güney's statement, "It seems the title of the first and only member of a one-person organization in history has fallen to me," reflects a sense of isolation and perhaps a subtle critique of the legal proceedings against him.

While international media might focus on the political implications for İmamoğlu, Cumhuriyet, reflecting a segment of Turkish public opinion, emphasizes the human element and the perceived injustices faced by local politicians like Güney. His declaration that his "democracy vigil" will continue underscores a commitment to his cause, resonating with those who believe in his innocence and view his detention as part of a broader political struggle. The release of his associates is a small victory, but Güney's personal fight, as he frames it, is far from over.

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Seyhan Özcan benim yıllardır çalışma arkadaşım, özel kalem müdürümdür, İsmail Akkaya da ablamın eşi, eniştemdir. Çalışma arkadaşlarım Eren ve Deniz’in ardından bugünkü tahliye kararı ile Seyhan Hanım ve İsmail Eniştem ailelerine kavuştuğu için çok mutluyum. Galiba tarihteki ilk tek kişilik örgütün tek üyesi olma ünvanı da bana kalmış oldu… Benim demokrasi nöbetim biraz daha sürecek. Allah iyilerledir. Kavuşacağız.