Dawn operation against CHP mayors: Statement from DEM Party MYK regarding the detentions

Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeydan Karalar, Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Muhittin Böcek, Adıyaman Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere, and Büyükçekmece Deputy Mayor Ahmet Şahin have been detained as part of investigations launched over corruption allegations.

Following the investigations and detention orders targeting CHP municipalities, the DEM Party Central Executive Committee (MYK) issued a statement.

The statement issued by the DEM Party MYK included the following:

"The detention of Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeydan Karalar, Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Muhittin Böcek, Adıyaman Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere, and Büyükçekmece Deputy Mayor Ahmet Şahin this morning is a new step in the government's continued mobilization of all its apparatuses, primarily the judiciary, to suppress the opposition.

With each passing day, the space for democratic politics is being narrowed through unlawful practices, the will of the people and the law of elections and ballot boxes are being disregarded, and pressures on the opposition and local governments are becoming systematic. Keeping the right to vote and be elected under constant threat targets not only political parties but also Turkey's hope for social peace and a democratic solution.

We absolutely do not accept these operations conducted with political motives, and we once again express that we stand against any kind of judicial intervention that deviates from the principle of the rule of law.

We state once again that by deepening lawlessness, the greatest harm is being done to the hope for social peace. It is unacceptable that the goal of building a peaceful and democratic society is being called into question by these actions.

What Turkey and society need today is for steps toward democratization to be taken with determination instead of anti-democratic practices, and for behavior to be in accordance with the rule of law.

We reiterate that these types of practices, which usurp the will of the people, must be ended immediately. Expanding the Call for Peace and a Democratic Society is our collective responsibility. We stand against any intervention directed at the will of the people and invite all segments of society to a common struggle.

DEM Party Central Executive Committee"