AKP Kilis Provincial Chair Zihni Serhan Diyarbakırlı resigns following 'audio recording' allegations

AKP Kilis Provincial Chair Zihni Serhan Diyarbakırlı has announced his resignation from his post after an audio recording, allegedly belonging to him, became a trending topic on social media.

In a written statement, Diyarbakırlı argued that the recording in question was "edited" and "taken out of context." Stating that he has initiated legal proceedings regarding the allegations, Diyarbakırlı expressed that he left his post of his own volition to ensure the process does not harm the party organization.

This decision of mine does not in any way mean a step back, an admission, or that the allegations against me are true.

It was alleged that the approximately 6-minute audio recording shared on social media contained a conversation regarding a woman's request to return to her former position after being reassigned. It was claimed that the question, "How will you convince me?" was directed at the woman in the recording.

In his statement, Diyarbakırlı noted that his loyalty to the leadership of President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and to the AKP continues, stating that his departure from the post does not mean he has given up on his legal battle.

Reporting that legal action has been initiated against those who prepared, disseminated, and shared the recording, Diyarbakırlı stated, "We will not surrender to dirty politics. We will not bow down to perception operations. We will not remain silent in the face of lies."