The AKP government wants to take over municipalities it couldn’t win through elections by appointing trustees.
Ahmet Özer, the CHP mayor of Esenyurt, was arrested after being detained on fabricated charges. After giving his statement to the prosecution, Özer was referred to the Criminal Judgeship of Peace with an allegation of “membership in a criminal organization” and a request for detention. Following his questioning, he was arrested on the same allegation.
Thousands gathered in front of the Istanbul Courthouse to protest the mayor’s arrest, stating they would protect their will and asserting that the AKP government seeks to take over municipalities it failed to win through elections by appointing trustees.