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Berlin Unveils Replica Silivri Prison Cell Outside City Hall to Back Jailed Istanbul Mayor

The weeklong display will relocate to the Maxim Gorki Theater for an extended run.

Overview

  • The installation, conceived by exiled journalist Can Dündar, recreates a near-scale Silivri cell with bed, table, kitchenette and squat toilet.
  • Governing Mayor Kai Wegner attended the opening, called it a sign of solidarity, and warned Turkey’s actions are straining the city partnership and German–Turkish relations.
  • Ekrem Imamoglu has been held in pre-trial detention in Silivri since March on terror and corruption allegations, a detention that prompted mass protests in Turkey.
  • Several dozen people, largely CHP supporters, gathered at the inauguration carrying signs calling for freedom for Imamoglu and other political prisoners.
  • Part of the 7th Berliner Herbstsalon, the piece is on view at the Rotes Rathaus through Oct. 8 before moving to the Maxim Gorki Theater through November, and Dündar says he is discussing future showings in Paris and Amsterdam.