Nuriye Arslan and Hoşyar Sarıyıldız, co-mayors of Mersin’s Akdeniz district from the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, have been detained over alleged terrorism connections and replaced by government appointees. Their removal follows a pattern of similar removals and replacements across Turkey in recent months and years.

News of the pair’s removal was first announced Friday (January 10). This morning (January 13), news emerged that a central government-appointed trustee had been appointed in their place.

According to a statement released by the Turkish Interior Ministry, the charges involve “membership in PKK/KCK terror organization, funding of terror, and terror propaganda.” Critics argue that these actions represent a significant erosion of democratic norms in the country.

In addition to Arslan and Sarıyıldız, four members of parliament were also taken into detention in connection with the investigation.

DEM Party co-chairwoman Tülay Hatimoğulları released........

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