Statement from Seraf Özer, daughter of Ahmet Özer

Reactions continue following the arrest of CHP Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer and the appointment of a trustee in his place. New statements have come from Ahmet Özer's daughter, Seraf Özer. 

Speaking to Halk TV, Seraf Özer described the moments her father was taken into custody as follows: 

"His children were not at home on the day he was taken into custody. My father opened his eyes to the police; he was woken up by the police. I heard this while visiting him in prison, as he recounted the event: 'I opened my eyes, the police were all around me, and I was terrified that something had happened to you. I woke up with a start, wondering if something had happened to my children.' For an academic, a scientist who manages a city of one and a half million people, to be involved in such a process—there is no reason, no conscience, no law, there is no way to explain this with reason, logic, or law. We as a family are going through a very serious traumatic process. But we will stand tall, of course. We will certainly stand tall."

Stating that "it is already clear that this case and these allegations are baseless," Özer continued: "Our esteemed Chairman and our esteemed Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor are already sharing the necessary statements. They are doing their part. Therefore, regarding this process, as his daughter, I see the situation of a 65-year-old mayor who manages a city of one and a half million people, being subjected to a dawn raid, as psychological mobbing. 

'THIS IS AN ISSUE FOR ALL OF TURKEY'

With a political setup, you woke my dear 65-year-old father up in that manner in the morning and arrested him at jet speed. He is being accused of being a member of a terrorist organization or whatever, and he is currently under arrest because of an alleged connection. Well, how is that person making statements right now? I mean, how are they making statements? How are they free then? If my father has a rental relationship or whatever with that person, it will all come to light. My conscience is very clear. There is no legally defensible aspect to this. There isn't a single legal expert who says otherwise. If there is a relationship or communication between them, and my father is currently under arrest because of these allegations, then how is that person making statements? How are they free? Someone give me a logical explanation for this. This lawlessness must not be normalized. We must continue our struggle and resistance against this lawlessness to the end. We must keep this alive. Ahmet Özer must be supported. The appointment of a trustee must be opposed. Voters must claim their own will. Look, this injustice being inflicted upon Ahmet Özer is not just about Esenyurt; this is an issue for all of Turkey."