Reaction from YENİ Party to the arrest of Erdal Beşikçioğlu: Principles of the rule of law are being damaged

The statement noted that Beşikçioğlu and municipal officials were detained in a dawn operation and were subsequently sent to prison, despite the principle that trials should be conducted without detention. 

The Provincial Presidency argued that the measure of arrest should be applied as a last resort, stating that the current practice raises serious questions regarding the principles of the rule of law.

The YENİ Party alleged that while the measure of arrest is not applied in similar investigations conducted against municipal officials belonging to the ruling party, the same method is systematically applied in investigations directed at opposition municipalities. The statement argued that this situation damages the principle of equality before the law and negatively affects the public's sense of justice.

The statement also emphasized that the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial must be observed, pointing out that arrest is an exceptional protective measure, not a method of punishment. Stating that maintaining trust in the judiciary is one of the fundamental elements of a democratic state governed by the rule of law, the statement expressed the view that using the judiciary to produce political results is incompatible with the understanding of the rule of law.

At the end of its statement, the YENİ Party Ankara Provincial Presidency declared that they will continue to defend the rule of law, the right to a fair trial, and the principles of a democratic state governed by the rule of law, and stated that they will follow the judicial process conducted against Etimesgut Municipality until the end.