CHP's Altay calls Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz over 'police' issue: Tension in front of Esenyurt Municipality

Istanbul Deputy Governor Can Aksoy had been appointed to replace Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer, who was arrested as part of a terrorism investigation. Following this development, the hall used by CHP council members was locked, and CHP members held their council meeting in front of the municipality building.

POLICE OBSTRUCTION FOR CHP MEMBERS

Today, CHP Istanbul Deputy Engin Altay and the party members accompanying him were blocked from entering the street where Esenyurt Municipality is located. Upon this, Altay called Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz on the phone.

"A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT CANNOT BE DETAINED"

Stating that even he was not being allowed through, Altay said, "The Constitution is very clear; a member of parliament cannot be detained. The state may be taking certain measures. Our request is for me and my municipal council members to enter the municipality and sit in the council group room. We want to have a cup of tea with them. Let's say there is a measure regarding other citizens. How is this going to work, brother?"

"IF THE GOAL IS TO PIT THE CHP AGAINST THE POLICE, WE WILL NOT DO THAT"

Stating that they could not reach Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Altay said, "Our police chief is here. If the goal is to pit the CHP against the police... we will not do that. The police are our police. The Constitution is very clear; if I cannot exercise this right, I would rather die. We are saying let us enter the municipality with the municipal council members," he expressed.

"I CANNOT CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET"

Informing Yılmaz that the street had been closed, Altay said, "Now they have closed the street as well; I cannot cross to the other side of the street. I am waiting for news from you. I even faced the danger of being crushed," he stated.

News Source: 12punto