Minister Yerlikaya reacts to Iğdır Police Chief's video: 'You cannot do it while chewing gum'

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya answered questions from members of parliament following his briefing on law enforcement practices and the protection of human rights at the Turkish Grand National Assembly's Human Rights Investigation Commission.

"I WILL DO WHAT IS NECESSARY"

Regarding allegations concerning the behavior of Iğdır Provincial Police Chief Erden Sakarya during his visit to a protest by workers dismissed from the Iğdır Municipality, Yerlikaya stated, "I have never been a governor or a minister who accepts such behavior while chewing gum, whether dealing with a suspect, someone under a detention order, or any other matter. That is an isolated incident, and I will do what is necessary."

WHAT HAPPENED?

Iğdır Police Chief Erden Sakarya, who visited the sit-in protest of workers dismissed by the DEM Party-run Iğdır Municipality, had called for 'restraint' and said, "First of all, such an unjust, unlawful, and unfair action cannot happen during these holy days at the beginning of the month of Muharram. My request to you is to maintain your rightful, legal position. To continue these demonstrations within the framework of the law. Any kind of attack from the outside against you will be neutralized by security forces. I wish you patience from God. You speak of rights, law, and justice; in my belief, rights, law, and justice will manifest as soon as possible."

Footage of Sakarya chewing gum during the visit had become a trending topic on social media.