Turkey - October 2024

Ahmet Özer, the mayor of Esenyurt, Istanbul’s most densely populated district, was arrested on 31 October for alleged ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an organisation classified as terrorist by Türkiye, the EU, and numerous governments. Özer, a prominent member of the main opposition Republic Peoples Party (CHP), was subsequently removed from office and was replaced with Istanbul’s deputy governor, a government trustee. This move has been described as a “coup” by the CHP leader. The arrest was condemned by the opposition, who view the arrest as politically motivated and as having targeted Özer’s Kurdish identity. In November, prosecutors began investigating Özer over financing terrorism as well. Three other pro-Kurdish mayors in the country’s southeast were also dismissed and replaced by government-appointed trustees following similar allegations. 

Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, Hurriyet Daily (1), Hurriyet Daily (2), Medya News 

On 23 October, the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), a major defence company in Ankara was subject to a terrorist attack, leaving five dead and 22 injured. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), designated as a terrorist organisation, has claimed responsibility. The Turkish government has responded with airstrikes against targets in Iraq and Syria, where they believe the attackers are based.  

Sources: Al Jazeera, Hurriyet