CHP visits the Istanbul Governor's Office! Özgür Çelik makes a statement

The CHP has taken action regarding the detentions and interventions that occurred during the protests against the arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

It was learned that a party delegation consisting of CHP Deputy Chairmen Suat Özçağdaş, Deniz Yavuzyılmaz, and Sevgi Kılıç, along with Istanbul Provincial Chairman Özgür Çelik, would meet with Istanbul Governor Davut Gül at the Governor's Office.

CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairman Özgür Çelik stated that many citizens were detained, particularly during the protests at Saraçhane Square, and that they had received complaints that some of those detained were subjected to mistreatment. Çelik had announced to the public that the CHP would closely follow the process and form a special committee to investigate these allegations.

CRITICISM OF INTERVENTION IN PROTESTS

Interventions against the protest demonstrations that began in many locations following the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu drew attention, and footage of police teams intervening harshly against protesters caused a wide stir in public opinion. Following reports of mistreatment of citizens detained during the demonstrations, the CHP decided to hold a direct meeting with the Istanbul Governor's Office.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, who made a statement regarding the protest demonstrations, had used the expression, "No attempt to disrupt public order will be tolerated" in his assessment of the process. The CHP delegation is expected to bring both these statements and the detention processes that occurred during the actions to the agenda during the meeting at the Governor's Office.

ÖZGÜR ÇELİK MADE A STATEMENT

Following the meeting, CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairman Özgür Çelik made a statement. In his speech, Çelik used the following expressions:

"Students had requests to march to different areas. We said that Saraçhane should be protected and that the area of resistance is Saraçhane.

We are keeping the doors of the municipality open. Students make speeches there every day.

The tension at Bozdoğan is reflecting on the entire crowd. The police are intervening in an uncontrolled manner against people who have nothing to do with the incident. There were those who were detained.

People entered the municipal building, and we took them under protection. However, people also went towards the mosque. The police also entered the mosque with them. There was a crush there. Because of this crush, something happened regarding the historical tombstones there by being displaced. We sent İBB Miras (IMM Heritage) there. Restoration work by İBB Miras to repair the damage is ongoing. There is talk of certain processes regarding the use of various products in the mosque or actions taken against the wall.

We are warning all protesters. That is, anyone who climbs on that wall and drinks something or performs an action next to the wall is a provocateur. It was done and caused to be done intentionally. None of the protesters did such a thing.

We are warning all protesters. There is no one among the crowd who would engage in negative behavior near the mosque wall. They are provocateurs.

Other groups also called for an iftar at the mosque. We requested that strict security measures be taken. We can also distribute iftar supplies to those coming for the iftar program. I spoke with the Governor about the need to take necessary measures to ensure that no tension occurs with those coming there. We will create a buffer zone there with our personal resources and the municipality's resources. The Governor's Office will also take measures.

We will one day make Taksim free. However, today the area of resistance is Saraçhane."

News Source: 12punto