Some countries that strongly defend human rights and the rule of law have remained silent when faced with our reality. This is not pragmatism, but short-sightedness. And it is dangerous.

This is what Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who is currently in prison, told Bloomberg. In written responses, Imamoglu, who is the presidential candidate of the Republican People's Party (CHP), said he could support another candidate for head of state if he is prevented from running in the presidential election.

Ekrem Imamoglu, who has been in prison for five months, still hopes to represent the opposition bloc. Now is not the time for hesitation, we must be realistic, he added.

Imamoglu believes that "democratic legitimacy" is at stake. "If my candidacy is officially blocked, the democratic opposition must unite again. If necessary, another candidate will emerge, but that person will continue our vision of justice, prosperity, and peace with the same determination," Imamoglu said. He accused some countries of double standards on human rights and the rule of law, saying they remained silent on events in Turkey. "Some countries that strongly defend human rights and the rule of law have remained silent when faced with our realities," Imamoglu said, adding: "This is not pragmatism, it is short-sightedness. And it is dangerous.

"I appeal to Washington, Berlin, London, and other capitals: If you want a Turkey that is stable and part of the democratic family, you cannot turn a blind eye to the destruction of democracy before your very eyes," he said.

Regarding the court cases against him and the revocation of his university degree, Imamoglu said: "The government is using bureaucracy as a weapon. The issue with the degree is just one of these absurd cases." I BGNES