CHP's Tanrıkulu visits Ahmet Özer

CHP Diyarbakır MP Sezgin Tanrıkulu visited Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer, who was arrested after a trustee was appointed to replace him, and stated that his health and morale in prison are good. In a statement following the visit, Tanrıkulu noted that the process has been conducted in violation of the law.

Evaluating the process of Özer's removal from office and his arrest, Tanrıkulu said, "Ahmet Özer was removed from office and arrested in a manner completely contrary to the law and the Constitution. An attempt is being made to create a perception using baseless information during this process. The goal is to seize the municipality won by the CHP in Esenyurt for the sake of rent-seeking."

'EMBRACING ONE'S IDENTITY WAS PORTRAYED AS A CRIME'

Stating that Ahmet Özer's tenure as mayor while embracing his Kurdish identity could not be tolerated, Tanrıkulu said, "This operation sends the following message: 'If you embrace your identity, no matter which party you are in, we will not let you be an administrator.' This is an effort to prevent Kurds from engaging in politics."

'A PROCESS OF CREATING EVIDENCE IS UNDERWAY'

Emphasizing that there is serious negligence in the legal process, Tanrıkulu said, "If there are allegations against a mayor, the evidence should have already been collected. However, the time that has passed is an indicator of evidence creation and unlawful actions. This injustice must be brought to an end."

'CRITICISM OF THE TRUSTEE POLICY'

Tanrıkulu stated that trustee practices weaken social belonging and made the following call:

"Trustees have become a tool in a struggle aimed at destroying Kurdish identity. These practices undermine social peace and justice. For the sake of Turkey's peace, this injustice must be ended."

Emphasizing that a large portion of the people of Esenyurt are also against the removal of Ahmet Özer from office, Tanrıkulu said, "These injustices do not only damage Ahmet Özer, but also Turkey's hope for justice and social peace. These wrong policies must be abandoned immediately."

News Source: 12punto