Turkish democracy has been tested since the arrest of Istanbul's popular opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. In her first interview with foreign media, Dilek Kaya Imamoglu, 51, spoke to AFP about the toll on her family, the resilience they have found in each other, and the wider questions the case raises about rule of law in Turkey.
Arrest, Charges and Political Stakes
Imamoglu, widely viewed as a leading challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was detained in March shortly before being formally named the main opposition CHP's presidential candidate. He now faces a sweeping 4,000‑page indictment that accuses him of offences ranging from graft and bribery to money laundering and of heading a criminal network — allegations described in court papers as exerting influence “like an octopus.” Prosecutors say the charges could carry a combined sentence of up to 2,430 years. The first hearing is scheduled for March 9.
Family Response and Daily Strain
"It is an extremely difficult time for our children and for me... but we hold onto one another," Dilek Kaya Imamoglu told AFP. She described the shock of the morning police came to the family home and the lasting image of her children's worry. Despite the strain, she says the family has drawn strength from Ekrem Imamoglu's message: "to never lose hope."
"We will hold our heads high and never lose hope. Instead of bowing to it, we chose to fight." — Dilek Kaya Imamoglu
Visits, Morale and Daily Routine in Prison
The family is allowed weekly visits at Silivri prison west of Istanbul, where several other prominent critics of the government are detained. Dilek Kaya Imamoglu described these meetings as "very precious, but also very heavy." She says her husband keeps his spirits by working: taking notes, developing new ideas for the country's future, and reading. "My freedom is in my mind," he tells visitors, she quoted.
Criticism of European Silence and Domestic Solidarity
Human rights groups have accused European governments of downplaying an erosion of judicial independence in Turkey. "Frankly, this silence has disappointed us," Dilek Kaya Imamoglu said, arguing that countries that claim to defend democracy have frequently remained quiet. Still, she stressed that the family's primary support comes from "the solidarity of millions in Turkey who believe in justice, freedom and democracy."
Solidarity With Other Families
She expressed solidarity with families of other long‑detained figures, including Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas and philanthropist Osman Kavala. "The endurance of the families of those unjustly and unlawfully deprived of their freedom guides me, because we are not alone," she said, describing the shared patience and resilience among spouses and relatives.
Public Role and Future Outlook
While Ekrem Imamoglu remains jailed, Dilek Kaya Imamoglu has taken a more public role: attending rallies and meeting other families of jailed officials to keep their cases visible. She has ruled out entering politics herself, saying, "The politician in our household is Ekrem." Yet she is determined to help heal what she describes as the "heavy wounds" to Turkish democracy — from pressures on press freedom to challenges to judicial independence.
"No matter how intense the pressure, the conscience of the people will ultimately prevail. That is where I draw my hope," she added.
Key dates and facts: Arrest in March; first hearing on March 9; indictment ~4,000 pages; potential sentence up to 2,430 years; weekly visits at Silivri prison.
