Ahmet Özer's letter on the process to Bahçeli, the architect of the opening: 'The current practices are a major contradiction'
Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer, who was removed from office by a trustee and is currently imprisoned, responded to MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's call for his release with a letter from prison. Özer stated, "There is a major contradiction between the peace process and what is being done to us. There is a grain of truth in Bahçeli's approach."
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Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer, who is currently imprisoned, addressed the recent statements made by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli in a letter he sent to Nefes newspaper. Bahçeli had stated that Özer should be released during the opening process and called for an end to the practice of appointing trustees.
In his letter, Özer drew attention to the contradiction between the peace process and his own imprisonment. He stated, "On one hand, they are sitting at the table with Öcalan in the name of a peace process, while on the other hand, they are putting me in prison because I am among the names that Öcalan said could contribute to the resolution process 11 years ago. Can peace be achieved with such an approach? Mr. Bahçeli also sees that this is not possible, which is why he says, 'If Turkey has truly entered a peace process, Ahmet Özer should be released.'"
Özer also emphasized that Bahçeli gave important messages regarding the resolution processes by stating, "Ahmet Türk should return to his post, and the politics of trustees should end."
The imprisoned mayor also reminded that his own life has been spent struggling for peace and democracy, and that he has conducted numerous studies on the Kurdish issue. "Shouldn't someone like me be outside contributing to the peace process? What is being applied to us right now is in great contrast with the peace process," he said.
Stating that Bahçeli is correctly evaluating the sensitive processes in the country and taking steps appropriate to the conditions of the day, Özer added the following: "It is very clear that the laying down of arms and the peace process will contribute to both our country and the region. Bahçeli has taken a risk and assumed a constructive role at this point, and he is taking the right steps. Our being inside does not benefit anyone. Our release would also send a positive message to society. For this reason, I am pleased with such statements and steps."