Footage from earthquake zone disturbs AKP members: Water bottle thrown, tensions rise
The February ordinary municipal council meeting in the Bandırma district of Balıkesir was held under the chairmanship of Mayor Dursun Mirza. At the opening of the meeting, citizens who lost their lives in the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes were commemorated with a video screening. The footage shown during this time disturbed AKP members, and tensions rose.
İHA
The screening of footage regarding the situation in the earthquake-stricken region of Hatay during the commemoration ceremony at the Bandırma Municipal Council meeting caused a stir in the hall. Tensions escalated when AKP member Mehmet Doğan threw a water bottle. As the tension continued, the AKP members left the hall.
The screening included footage from a news channel reflecting that the work that needed to be done after the earthquake in Hatay had not been completed for a long time, but was completed rapidly before the key handover ceremony.
AKP council members reacted to this section. Following the reactions, an argument broke out in the council hall, and the tension increased when AKP Council Member Mehmet Doğan threw a water bottle.
Following the events, the AKP council members left the hall.
MAYOR: WE MUST LIVE BY SEEING THE REALITIES AND TAKE PRECAUTIONS ACCORDINGLY
Making evaluations regarding the February 6 earthquakes at the meeting, Mayor Dursun Mirza stated that in addition to commemorating those who lost their lives, shortcomings must also be voiced.
Emphasizing that the work done should not be ignored, Mirza stated that figures were shared in the presentation and that information and footage provided by the Hatay Governorship were shown to the council members.
Mirza said, "It is not enough to just wish mercy for our dead and move on. If shortcomings persist, they must be voiced. But one should not ignore the work that has been done either. We shared what has been done here with figures. However, there were friends of ours who could not be patient. There may be things we do not like, but we must live by seeing the realities and take precautions accordingly."
Drawing attention to the shared responsibility regarding disaster preparedness, Mirza said, "It is necessary to prepare for disasters in a more organized and systematic way. As Bandırma Municipality, we are ready for our duty. Other institutions must also perform their duties properly. There is no point in creating arguments or fights here."