Abdullah Zeydan, the co-mayor of Van (Wan) Metropolitan Municipality, was sentenced to prison and subsequently suspended from office by the Turkish government. Following his removal, a four-day sit-in protest began outside the municipal building, with demonstrators opposing the decision.
In the early hours of the morning, police forces intervened, storming the municipal premises. Witnesses reported that officers used tear gas and forcibly entered the building, breaking windows and doors. A number of people, including politicians, journalists, and lawyers, were reportedly physically assaulted before being taken into custody. At least five journalists were detained, some of whom were allegedly subjected to physical violence. All detainees were later transported to Van Yüzüncü Yıl Dursun Odabaşı Medical Centre for compulsory health checks.
Zeydan’s suspension and trustee appointment
Zeydan’s removal was formally enacted by the Ministry of Interior under Article 127 of the Constitution and Articles 45, 46, and 47 of the Municipality Law (No. 5393), framed as a “temporary measure”. However, Zeydan refused to sign the suspension notice, rejecting the legitimacy of the decision.
Shortly after his dismissal, the Ministry of Interior announced the appointment of Van Governor Ozan Balcı as the new trustee (kayyım). Upon his arrival at the municipality, protesters greeted him with chants of “Hırsız var” (Thief!), denouncing the appointment as illegitimate and undemocratic.
Outside the municipal building, demonstrators—including members of the DEM Party, local residents, and municipal representatives—condemned the removal of the elected mayor as a “midnight coup”. Protesters repeatedly chanted slogans against the intervention, with several local politicians arguing that the government’s move violated democratic principles and electoral mandates.
The situation in Van remained tense throughout the day, with heavy police presence securing the municipality. Various political organisations and civil society groups have vowed to continue protests, demanding the release of all detainees and the reinstatement of elected governance.
