CHP leader criticizes detention of Diyarbakır’s co-mayors

Main opposition leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has criticized the detention of the co-mayors of the southeastern province of Diyarbakır, asking why Gültan Kışanak and Fırat Anlı were not detained previously “if they supported terror.”

“If they supported terrorism, why weren’t the necessary steps taken before? Turkey should have solved this by staying within the boundaries of law,” he said.

“You are entering the municipality with police officers today that you entered with delegations and ceremonies yesterday,” he also said during a Central Executive Board (MYK) of his Republican People’s Party (CHP).

Kılıçdaroğlu also recalled President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s words of “Whoever comes with elections goes with elections.” 

“Erdoğan wants this only for himself,” he said.

Saying trials should be conducted if a crime has been committed, Kılıçdaroğlu added that politicians should perform their duties within the boundaries of the law. 

“It is unacceptable for a politician to have links to terror. If there’s a crime, there should be a trial,” he said. 
During his speech, the CHP leader stressed that the state in democracies must be governed within the rule of law and not with feelings of anger and revenge. He also said that no citizen could be marginalized due to his or her beliefs, identities and lifestyle. 

Meanwhile, reactions continued from the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) with parliamentary group deputy chair İdris Baluken saying “they are at the point where there are no words,” referring to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

“This anger will face you in the street. You can do everything now, don’t refrain from doing it, but you will suffer the consequences. It’s not bearable anymore,” Baluken said, adding that “anger is starting to grow.”
Separately, U.S. State Department spokesperson John Kirby said they were following the situation closely.
The co-mayors of Diyarbakır were detained late on Oct. 25 on “terrorism” charges. Kışanak, a former member of parliament before her election as mayor in Diyarbakır, and Fırat Anlı, her co-mayor and a member of the municipal council, were taken into custody as part of an investigation into their alleged links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), the Diyarbakır Prosecutor’s Office said in a written statement.