Commentary draws attention to police chief's controversial video

The Iğdır Police Chief joined a protest by workers dismissed by the DEM Party-run municipality and used the phrase "continue your protests." 

This footage was evaluated by Patronlar Dünyası columnist and retired Police Chief Feramuz Erdin.

Stating that meetings and protest marches are a constitutional right and that law enforcement is normally tasked with preventing external interference in such rights-seeking actions, Erdin said, "In other words, the chief is actually acting in accordance with the law here. However, in light of past experience, it should not be ignored that this stance is highly interactive with the political conjuncture. To be frank, if the ideology bringing the protesting group together had been closer to the left, it might not have been very possible to see a similar attitude from the police."

"THE MAY 1ST TAKSIM EXAMPLE IS STILL IN OUR MEMORIES"

Erdin continued as follows: 

"Moreover, the May 1st Taksim example is still vivid in our memories. A rights-seeking event supported by the main opposition party, the CHP, was not permitted at that time. Normally, the police should have ensured the march could take place safely by blocking extremist elements in Saraçhane. As in today's example, the Administration, i.e., the Government, decides which right can be claimed as a right. To see the example experienced today as an application of democracy, one would need to expect the police's institutional stance to be the same everywhere and toward everyone."