Legal expert Adem Sözüer evaluates the appointment of a trustee to Esenyurt Municipality on 12punto: İmamoğlu is also in danger

Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer was detained in recent days. It was noted that the detention order for Özer was issued due to various investigations conducted into the municipality in Esenyurt. Searches were carried out at Özer's home and at the municipality. 

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated that the investigation was aimed at identifying the members and activities of the PKK/KCK terrorist organization. An arrest warrant was issued for the detained Özer. A trustee administration was appointed to replace Ahmet Özer in Esenyurt. 

Following these breaking developments, Istanbul Bilgi University faculty member Adem Sözüer, who answered Beste Çelik's questions on 12punto, stated that Esenyurt Mayor Özer's name had come up 10 years ago within the framework of the resolution process, but that many state officials had also held similar positions at that time. In this context, Sözüer argued that Özer's removal from office was not a legal but a political intervention, stating, "Many politicians and state officials took part in the resolution process. There are no secret pieces of evidence here, but rather official duties from that period."

CRITICISM OF INTERFERENCE WITH THE JUDICIARY

Sözüer stated that in the Presidential Government System, the president both holds executive power and can make political decisions as the party chairman. Stating that this situation facilitates political interference in the judiciary and administration, Sözüer said, "When he speaks as the President and party chairman, these statements are perceived as instructions by the institutions under his control."

Addressing the politicization of judicial processes in particular, Sözüer said, "Practices such as the reassignment of judges and political influence on the trial process turn legal proceedings into a complete political pressure. This is a clear indication that the rule of law has been suspended in Turkey."

''TRUSTEE APPOINTMENTS ARE UNCONSTITUTIONAL''

Evaluating the appointment of Istanbul Deputy Governor Can Aksoy as a trustee to replace Özer, Sözüer argued that trustee appointments are unconstitutional. Reminding that the Constitution guarantees the independence of local governments, Sözüer said, "Mayors can only be removed from office due to crimes related to their duties, and the municipal council elects a deputy mayor to replace them. However, this change, which was made through decree-laws during the state of emergency, has been made permanent in an unlawful manner."

Arguing that trustee appointments render local elections ineffective, Sözüer said, "Local governments are being made a part of the central administration. This practice is a constitutional monstrosity and is contrary to the spirit of the rule of law."

İMAMOĞLU IS ALSO IN DANGER

Sözüer stated that these steps taken against Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer could also pose a danger to Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and other opposition mayors. Stating that the political power could use the judiciary to purge opposition figures, Sözüer said, "The judiciary is being used as an element of pressure to purge political rivals. This situation is an indication that the rights and freedoms of every citizen in Turkey are in danger."

TURKEY MUST URGENTLY RETURN TO THE RULE OF LAW

Stating that the independence of the judiciary in Turkey is in danger, Sözüer said that this process has created a regime of arbitrariness and that the rule of law has been suspended. Saying, "The existence of law cannot be spoken of in a country where Constitutional Court and ECHR decisions are not implemented," Sözüer emphasized that Turkey must rapidly return to the principles of the rule of law.

Adem Sözüer continued his words as follows: 

Turkey reached this point while discussing the right to hope for Abdullah Öcalan. Unpredictable things always happen, but there is one thing we know: İmamoğlu is also facing these lawsuits because he is a political rival. There is no legal basis for the lawsuits in any way. The unlawful practice carried out against the Esenyurt municipality does not seem to be limited only to Esenyurt; there are systematic interventions in many places in Turkey. Why is İmamoğlu at the center? Perhaps because the political power sees him as its biggest rival. It is not just the 'fool' case; various inspector reports are constantly being directed at İmamoğlu. The political power is pursuing a policy of purging and cornering everyone who could be a rival to it by abusing all the powers of the state. It is not that İmamoğlu is waiting for a danger; the rule of law has been suspended in Turkey regarding the rights of all citizens. All individual rights and freedoms are in danger, and for this reason, the rule of law must be taken off suspension.

You can watch the Yorum 12 program, which is broadcast on 12punto, on the 12punto TV YouTube channel.