The mayor of Istanbul’s Esenyurt district, Ahmet Özer, was released from custody on Tuesday. Just one day later, he announced at a press conference at the district office of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in Esenyurt that the progress of democracy and the establishment of the rule of law in Turkey were currently the decisive factors for the country.
Ahmet Özer visited the Esenyurt district administration of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) with Cafer Çakmak, the Esenyurt district chairman of the CHP, and a delegation. Özer and his delegation were welcomed by Cesim Çiçek, the co-chair of the DEM Party’s Esenyurt district, district administrators, and members of the City Consensus Council.
Speaking during the visit, Özer said: “Mayor of Mardin, Ahmet Türk, Mayor of Diyarbakır, Dr. Selçuk Mızraklı, former Mayor of Van, Bekir Kaya, and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who were removed from office and replaced by trustees, must regain their freedom immediately. These arrests should not be happening at a time when the peace process is ongoing. The release of imprisoned mayors and political prisoners will inspire confidence in the public.”
DEM Party Esenyurt District Co-Chair Cesim Çiçek stated that they will continue to stand in solidarity.