07/06/2024

Syriac MP in Turkish Parliament George Aslan criticizes arresting Hakkari municipality official

HAKKARI, Turkey —  Turkey’s Interior Ministry has removed Co-Mayor of Hakkari from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Mehmet Sıddık Akış, due to an ongoing investigation and a separate trial on terrorism-linked charges.

It replaced him with a trustee, Hakkari Governor Ali Çelik, two months after his election to office, according to a statement from the Ministry.

Akış’s removal and detention have ignited widespread criticism from the DEM Party and other officials, including Syriac MP in Turkish Parliament George Aslan.

Since Akış’s removal, many vigils have been held in protest of the ministry decision.