Journalists' unions protest ban on İmamoğlu's book

A coalition of prominent Turkish media and literary organizations has issued a joint statement condemning the ban on a book by Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is currently imprisoned in Silivri. The organizations, including the Turkish Journalists' Association (TGC), Turkish Journalists' Union (TGS), Turkish Publishers Association (TÜRKYAYBİR), Turkish Writers' Union (TYS), and PEN Turkey, expressed deep concern over the decision.

The book, titled “Millet Şahidimdir” (My Nation is My Witness), reportedly contains İmamoğlu's detailed defense related to the İBB case. The ban was reportedly requested by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office while the book was still in the printing phase. The unions argued that this pre-publication prohibition constitutes a significant intervention into the public's fundamental right to access information.

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Banning a book before it is published is an intervention into the public's right to information.

"We are following the process with concern," the joint statement read. "The decision to block a book that has not yet been published and whose content is unknown amounts to an intervention in the publishing activity itself and the public's right to information."

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We are following the process with concern. The decision to block a book that has not yet been published and whose content is unknown amounts to an intervention in the publishing activity itself and the public's right to information.

Ekrem İmamoğlu himself responded forcefully to the ban, denouncing it as another attempt to silence him. In a statement posted on social media, he declared, "I will not be silenced. I will not give up. I will not surrender." He vowed that "millions will read this book, including those who banned it," asserting that his defense would be seen by everyone.

İmamoğlu's reaction highlighted his perception of the ban as part of a broader pattern of suppression, referencing previous actions such as the cancellation of his diploma and the blocking of his social media accounts. The ban on his book is seen by his supporters as a further attempt to limit his voice and influence.

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I will not be silenced. I will not give up. I will not surrender. Millions will read this book together with the people. My defense will be seen by everyone, including the ban-makers.