Ali Yerlikaya's statement on 'trustees': Will Ahmet Türk return to office?

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya met with journalists in Ankara to make statements regarding the current agenda. Speaking on the issue of trustees, Yerlikaya stated that the appointment of a trustee is a temporary measure, saying, "We review the situation every two months to see if there are any developments."

Regarding the Court of Cassation's decision on Abdullah Zeydan, Yerlikaya said, "It has been finalized that he does not have the right to be elected."

WILL AHMET TÜRK RETURN TO OFFICE?

Responding to claims that Mardin Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Türk, one of the municipalities where a trustee was appointed, would return to office, Yerlikaya said, "He received a sentence of over 10 years. How can he return while this sentence stands?"

Yerlikaya made the following statements regarding the appointment of trustees:

"We are a state of law. No one has the freedom to commit crimes. Regardless of who they are, there is no freedom to commit crimes. Mayors are also subject to the law. If a mayor is affiliated with a terrorist organization, if there is a prosecutor's investigation, if they have received a sentence from a court of first instance, and if they have shown the audacity to use the will given by the people in this way, the necessary action is taken. A trustee is a temporary measure. We review it every two months. In the meantime, we look to see if there are any new developments. Elected, appointed, it makes no difference which party. Those who come through the ballot box should read articles 45-46 well. I suggest they also evaluate the candidacy processes well."

THE COURT OF CASSATION'S DECISION ON ABDULLAH ZEYDAN

The 3rd Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation ruled to overturn the decision regarding Van Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Abdullah Zeydan on the grounds that the "additional decisions regarding the restoration of his prohibited rights were devoid of legal value" and sent the case back to the local court for a new decision.

Pointing out that it has been finalized that Zeydan does not have the right to candidacy and to be elected, Yerlikaya said, "The decision will go from here to the Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court. We need to look at what happens next and the appeal process."