Istanbul Governor Gül’s 'mosque' claim regarding protests: Sharp response from CHP’s Çelik! 'They dragged them with gas'

The detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and his subsequent arrest on charges of being an "organization leader" within the scope of an investigation into "corruption" allegations are being protested across the country, particularly in Istanbul. While a large-scale protest and support demonstration took place at the municipal building in Saraçhane, Istanbul, a statement regarding the protests came from Istanbul Governor Davut Gül.

"MOSQUE" CLAIM FROM GOVERNOR GÜL

In a statement on his social media account, Governor Gül said, "Our police force has been carrying out its duties with great patience and determination against groups that have been disrupting public order in Saraçhane for 5 days. Individuals who attack our police with stones, fireworks, and similar materials are being identified one by one, and the necessary judicial proceedings are being carried out against them."

Gül stated the following:

"Damaging mosques and burial grounds is a clear provocation against the sacred values of the public. The individuals who carried out these vile acts will be given the punishment they deserve. We urge our citizens to stay away from environments where masked individuals are present and not to participate in any unauthorized demonstrations. No attempt to disrupt public order will be tolerated."

RESPONSE FROM CHP'S ÖZGÜR ÇELİK WAS NOT DELAYED

The response to Governor Gül from CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Özgür Çelik was not delayed.

Çelik said, "Mr. Gül, I was there. Let me tell you the truth. The security forces you pitted against the citizens cornered our citizens, who were holding our glorious Turkish flag, into the mosque by dragging them with gas and batons. If there is damage, this is the reason. Do not try to deny it, I saw it with my own eyes!"

Özgür Çelik made the following statements:

Mr. Gül, I was there.

Let me tell you the truth. The security forces you pitted against the citizens cornered our citizens, who were holding our glorious Turkish flag, into the mosque by dragging them with gas and batons. If there is damage, this is the reason. Do not try to deny it, I saw it with my own eyes!

Currently, the IMM Heritage teams, established by Mahir Polat who was arrested with lies, are taking care of the garden of our historical heritage mosque.

Do not try to criminalize any of our citizens who are exercising their constitutional rights! You cannot scare those who start life with the first line of our National Anthem, "Fear not," with your lies!

You gave your word on the phone yesterday. That there would be no attack. Stop leaving the state's police in a position where they are essentially providing material to the pro-government pool media to question the legitimacy of the national will in Saraçhane.

News Source: 12punto