Turkish opposition protests arrest of CHP’s Esenyurt Mayor over PKK terrorist organization links

Turkish opposition parties staged protests Thursday, condemning what they claim was the politically motivated arrest of Ahmet Ozer, mayor of Istanbul’s Esenyurt district, over alleged ties to the PKK/KCK terrorist organization.

Ozer, 64, a member of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), was arrested early Wednesday, and a trustee was appointed to replace him. The CHP and the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party criticized the move, calling it a “political coup,” and urged supporters to rally outside Esenyurt town hall.

Ozer was detained Wednesday morning during a raid on his home, with authorities conducting searches at both his residence and the municipal building.

Ozer, who oversees Esenyurt—a large Istanbul district with a population of 1 million—faces allegations of past affiliations with Kurdish separatist groups.

The Interior Ministry said Ozer was detained for alleged “membership in the PKK terror organization,” with prosecutors claiming he had maintained contact with suspected PKK members for the past decade.

The PKK, which has waged a decades-long insurgency against the Türkiye since 1984, is designated a terrorist organization by Türkiye, as well as U.S. and EU.

Main opposition calls for early elections

At Thursday’s protest, CHP’s Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu accused the government of playing a “dirty game” in Esenyurt.

“What they’re doing is nothing more than trying to protect their power, which is steeped in corruption and lawlessness,” Imamoglu told the crowd, calling on authorities to respect the people’s will.

Meanwhile, CHP leader Ozgur Ozel held a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Board (MYK) in Esenyurt on Thursday. Addressing the crowd, Ozel called for early elections.

“We are ready for elections,” Ozel said. “We will discuss the nation’s agenda and stand by the people’s will. The people’s vote will overcome the seat calculations. Together, we will succeed and win.”