Ekrem İmamoğlu Shares Hardships of “Prisoner Fasting”

In a poignant new video, Ekrem İmamoğlu, the imprisoned presidential candidate and former Mayor of Istanbul, has detailed the emotional and physical toll of observing Ramadan behind bars. Currently held in Silivri Prison, İmamoğlu released the third installment of his video series, “Being in Silivri During Ramadan,” highlighting the stark contrast between traditional family gatherings and the isolation of a high-security cell.

The Struggle of Isolation: “First Time I’ve Found it Difficult”

Despite being a lifelong practitioner of fasting, İmamoğlu admitted that the current conditions have tested his resolve. The primary challenge, he noted, is not the physical hunger but the enforced solitude that contradicts the communal spirit of the holy month.

“I can say that for the first time, despite it being winter, I am struggling due to the state of captivity and the atmosphere of being alone and isolated,” İmamoğlu stated.

The AI-assisted video features his voice explaining that while his health remains stable according to recent blood tests, the psychological weight of the trial preparations and heavy reading schedule made the start of the month particularly grueling.

Cold Soup and Broken Alarms: Life in a Cell

İmamoğlu provided a rare glimpse into the logistical realities of prison life during Ramadan. He described a makeshift routine necessitated by the facility’s rigid schedule:

• The Iftar Routine: Meals are distributed between 16:00 and 16:30, nearly two hours before the fast actually breaks. To avoid eating stone-cold food, he uses an electric kettle to heat his soup over rising steam.

• The Sahur Struggle: He has abandoned waking up for the pre-dawn meal (sahur). “Preparing a sahur plate alone is not easy for me,” he shared, opting instead to eat a small breakfast between midnight and 01:00.

• The “Broken” Alarm: In a metaphorical critique of the judiciary, he remarked: “In Silivri, the sound of the alarm clock is as broken as the voice of justice; I can’t even hear its weak ring.”

Seeking Solace in Justice and Scripture

To pass the time and maintain mental fortitude, İmamoğlu has turned to deep study of the scriptures. He revealed that he is cross-referencing Quranic translations by Muhammed Esed and Mehmet Okuyan, specifically taking notes on verses regarding justice and moral integrity.

His only social interaction during this period occurs after 19:30, when he meets with his lawyers. These brief moments allow for “glass-to-glass” greetings with other fellow prisoners, which he poignantly dubbed “Silivri Ramadan Conversations.”

A Message to the Nation

Concluding his message, the CHP figurehead expressed a deep longing for the iftar tables of his neighbors and family. His prayers, he said, are focused on changing the current political mentality through the will of the people, promising a future where Ramadan can once again be celebrated in “justice and freedom.”