Striking claim regarding the trustee-run Esenyurt Municipality: Individuals with criminal records and ties to religious sects are in office

CHP members of the Esenyurt Municipal Council have reacted strongly to the practices implemented in the municipality, which has been governed by a trustee since October 30, 2024. It was stated that the trustee, appointed following the arrest of Mayor Ahmet Özer on the grounds of a "city consensus," has engaged in practices that disregard the will of the people.

POLICE OBSTRUCTION AGAINST COUNCIL MEMBERS

CHP Council Member and lawyer Oktay Kılıç stated that the municipal council meeting, which was scheduled to take place on November 4, 2024, was unlawfully obstructed. Kılıç emphasized that the process is not only political but also a clear legal violation, stating, "Council members were prevented from entering the municipality by police force. This is a direct crime of obstructing public duty."

“ESENYURT HAS BEEN HANDED OVER TO A SECTARIAN NETWORK”

CHP Group Deputy Chairman Sadettin Yıldırım drew attention to the background of the trustee administration. Yıldırım said, "The vast majority of those governing Esenyurt today consist of individuals with criminal records and dubious backgrounds who have no connection to the district. Among them are names who have obtained civil service positions irregularly and have served as executives in the AKP. Almost all of them are linked to a foundation or a religious sect."

Yıldırım stated that this situation is part of the government's strategy to control municipalities it cannot win through elections via trustees, adding: "Esenyurt is a concrete example of how a district that cannot be won through elections changes hands."

FILE SENT TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

Kılıç announced that the Istanbul 9th Administrative Court has evaluated that Article 45 of the Municipal Law is unconstitutional and that the matter has been referred to the Constitutional Court. Stating that they have also requested cancellation in a second lawsuit, Kılıç said, "This time, our expectation is high that the court will issue a direct cancellation decision."

“WE WILL CONTINUE THE POLITICAL AND LEGAL STRUGGLE AGAINST THE TRUSTEE”

CHP council members emphasized that they would fight against this lawlessness together with all levels of the party. Stating that democratic legitimacy and constitutional oversight must be the basis, Kılıç and Yıldırım sent the message, “Trustee practices are a coup against the will of the people; we will never remain silent about this.”

News Source: 12punto