Just as we were getting happy with a possible peace process, a major coup added to the new arrests of Kurdish politicians, Mr Özer is a notable personality of Kurdish origin, and he was elected through CHP ranks. I suspect he is a victim of behind the door struggles within the state circles.
Ahmet Özer, the mayor of the Esenyurt district in Istanbul, has been arrested[1][2][3]. Özer was elected as the mayor of Esenyurt in the March 31, 2024 local elections, representing the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP)[1][4].
The arrest of Mayor Özer has sparked controversy and raised concerns about political tensions in Turkey. According to reports, Özer was detained and subsequently arrested on charges related to alleged links with the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party), which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey[2][3].
Following Özer’s arrest, a trustee was appointed to replace him as the mayor of Esenyurt. Istanbul Deputy Governor Can Aksoy has been appointed as the trustee to manage the district[1][4].
The investigation leading to Özer’s arrest reportedly involved extensive surveillance. Prosecutors ordered the wiretapping of Özer’s phone, which allegedly revealed that the mayor had phone calls with 694 suspects linked to the PKK[5]. The evidence against Özer is said to include communication records, physical tracking reports, and banking transactions[2].
It’s worth noting that Ahmet Özer is not only a politician but also a distinguished academic in Turkey[6]. His arrest has drawn attention both domestically and internationally, with various news outlets reporting on the development[7][8]. The case highlights the ongoing political tensions in Turkey and the complex relationship between the government and opposition parties.
Citations:
1. Hürriyet Daily News – Esenyurt Mayor Arrested, Trustee Appointed in His Place
2. Daily Sabah – CHP Mayor Replaced with Trustee Following Arrest Over PKK Links
3. Türkiye Today – What Are the Charges Against Arrested CHP Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer?
4. Evrensel – Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer Arrested, Trustee Appointed in His Place
5. Daily Sabah – CHP Istanbul District Mayor Arrested Over Terror Links
6. Bianet – Who is Ahmet Özer, the Arrested Mayor of Istanbul’s Esenyurt District?
7. AP News – Turkey Opposition Mayor Özer (CHP) Arrested
8. Duvar English – Turkish Court Arrests Main Opposition CHP Mayor on Terrorism Charges
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