DEM Party’s top local officials detained in terror investigation in Mersin

Akdeniz Mayor Hosyar Sariyildiz and five members of the municipal council were detained in Mersin on charges related to terrorism, according to authorities.

The investigation, led by the Mersin Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and coordinated by the Provincial Police Department, includes allegations of “making propaganda for a terrorist organization,” “membership in an armed terrorist organization,” “violating the law on the prevention of financing terrorism,” and “breaching the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations.”

Details of the arrests and investigation

The synchronized operations were carried out by the Counterterrorism Branch of the Provincial Police. Those detained include:

• Akdeniz Mayor Hosyar Sariyildiz,
• Deputy Mayor and Council Member Nuriye Arslan,
• DEM Party municipal council members Ozgur Caglar, Neslihan Oruc, Yakup Danis, and Hikmet Bakirhan.

Police reported that the arrests were made as part of an ongoing investigation into activities violating counterterrorism laws.

Security measures around municipal offices

Following the operation, police took extensive security measures around the Akdeniz Municipality building.

Tactical vehicles, including TOMA water cannon trucks, and riot police units were stationed around the area as the investigation continued.