District governor controversy during April 23 celebrations: District governor backtracks

The April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day was celebrated with enthusiasm in the Ayaş district of Ankara. However, the celebrations were marred by controversy following allegations that the municipal press officer was not permitted to enter the ceremony area.

The events, which began with a wreath-laying ceremony at Ayaş Republic Square, were attended by municipal officials, political party representatives, teachers, and students. Subsequently, performances prepared by children were showcased at the Ayaş Sports Hall, and the joy of the holiday was shared with all participants. However, allegations that the municipal press officer was barred from the event area fueled debates following the program.

MUNICIPAL STATEMENT AND ALLEGATIONS OF A BAN

Prior to the celebrations, Ayaş Municipality held consultations at the Municipal Police Department with Mayor İzzet Demircioğlu, AKP District Chairman Sadık Yavuz, and representatives of the CHP District Organization.

However, in a statement, the municipality alleged that the Ayaş District Governor's Office had instructed the Police Department to prevent the municipal press officer from entering the ceremony area. It was claimed that this situation led to restrictions on photography and video recording. In its statement, the municipality said, "We are saddened that we cannot share the beautiful April 23 performances of our children with you," noting that they were forced to share only a limited number of photos.

"THIS IS A BASELESS REPORT"

Ayaş District Governor Muharrem Eligül responded sharply to the municipality's statement. In a post on social media, the District Governor stated, "Municipal officials took photos and videos in the ceremony area quite freely. If I had used public authority to block them, who took all those photos? Aliens?" In the remainder of his statement, Eligül alleged that using public authority to oppress citizens and those around oneself, as well as bad habits like corruption and extorting money from business people, are practices well-known to certain circles.

"THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR HAS OVERSTEPPED HIS BOUNDS"

The CHP responded to District Governor Eligül's harsh statements. CHP Ankara Deputy Umut Akdoğan criticized the District Governor in a social media post, stating, "Look at the state's district governor. First, he overstepped his bounds, used our religion to mask his limited intellect at the beginning and end of the text, and then, out of fear, he removed this text." Akdoğan also noted that the language in Eligül's statement was harsh, adding, "Mr. District Governor, I also know what complexes drive you to do these things. Either you do not overstep your bounds, or you stand behind what you say."

COMMEMORATION OF İSKİLİPLİ ATIF HAD DRAWN CRITICISM

District Governor Muharrem Eligül's statements were not limited to the April 23 controversy. During his time as the District Governor of İskilip in 2021, his participation in a commemoration event for İskilipli Atıf—who supported reactionary uprisings backed by the British during the National Struggle period—had also drawn significant backlash.

News Source: 12punto