Chief aide to AKP leader resigns over link to coup suspect

ANKARA

Şaban Dişli, the chief advisor to ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has resigned from his post, stating that his brother's position as key suspect in the July 15, 2016, coup attempt has caused discomfort within the party. 

“I have resigned from this honorable duty in order not to wrongfully wear out my party or its chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,” he said in a statement announcing his resignation on Oct. 19.

Dişli’s brother, former Gen. Mehmet Dişli, is one of the key suspects of the coup attempt. Currently in prison, he is accused of being a member of the “Peace in the Homeland Council,” which is considered to be the leading body of the foiled coup.

Şaban Dişli, however, has publically declared his “loyalty to democracy and the ruling party,” regardless of the charges that his brother is facing.

A lawmaker for the northwestern province of Sakarya, Şaban Dişli was appointed as a chief advisor to the party leadership on Aug. 30.

In his resignation letter, the aide said his link to the coup suspect caused unease within the party.

“The comments of my friends have disturbed me deeply. It continues to disturb me,” he wrote.

“I regard serving the Honorable Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and my party as an honor,” he added.