Mansur Yavaş's message on Vahap Seçer, referencing Melih Gökçek

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş visited the family of Union of Municipalities of Türkiye and Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Vahap Seçer, who was detained as part of an investigation conducted by the Mersin Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

Visiting Seçer's wife, Meral Seçer, at their home, Yavaş told reporters upon leaving that they are not objecting to the investigation of mayors, but to the method applied. Yavaş criticized the detention process, stating that Seçer could have been invited to provide his testimony.

Vahap Seçer was detained on October 1; he was referred to the courthouse on the morning of October 5 following a health check. Other mayors and suspects detained as part of the investigation were also brought to the courthouse.

YAVAŞ: WE ARE NOT RUNNING FROM THE INVESTIGATION

Yavaş stated that the procedure to be followed in investigations concerning public officials and mayors is clear. Noting that the prosecutor's office could summon an individual to take their statement, Yavaş said, "According to the Constitution, everyone is innocent until proven guilty."

"We are never running from being investigated. We are not saying let us not be tried; we have no special privileges, but we are saying let us be tried in accordance with the procedure."

Yavaş recalled that Melih Gökçek, who served as the Mayor of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality in the past, was invited to give testimony, stating, "The former Metropolitan Mayor was invited, he came, gave his statement, and left; he was not dragged away by force."

Addressing the allegations of direct procurement that have come up in the investigation, Yavaş argued that errors in such procurement methods cannot be considered within the scope of tender crimes. Yavaş said that, based on what has been conveyed to them, the alleged issues are not of a nature that would require arrest.

Reminding that Seçer is both a metropolitan mayor and the President of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye, and that he previously served as a member of parliament, Yavaş said, "He should be invited, and he must be tried in accordance with the procedure." Yavaş expressed his hope that Seçer would be released and return to his family.

When asked by a reporter about comments suggesting that the operations aimed to lead to a change in management at the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye and in municipalities, Yavaş stated that the necessary majority for such a change does not exist and replied, "I hope they will prove that wrong themselves by releasing him."

News Source: 12punto