Statement by DROI Chair on the dismissal of Kurdish mayors

"Ignoring the will of the people is unacceptable", said Maria Arena (S&D, BE), after the Turkish authorities recent decision to replace legitimately elected mayors.

I am dismayed by the recent Turkish police operation against HDP representatives in southeast Turkey. The decision to replace the legitimately elected mayors of Diyarbakir, Van and Mardin over terrorism-related investigations is disturbing. I express my full solidary with Adnan Selçuk Mızraklı, Ahmet Türk, and Bedia Özgökçe Ertan, who were elected by overwhelming majorities in the 31 March 2019 local elections.