In the wake of significant Kurdish electoral success, the Turkish government has begun preparations for the imposition of trusteeship on the city councils of Mardin (Mêrdîn) and Diyarbakır (Amed), citing alleged breaches involving the national anthem and the Turkish flag.
On 13 April, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that inspectors were appointed to investigate the initial sessions of these councils, where it was alleged that Mardin did not play the national anthem and Diyarbakır removed the Turkish flag. Both city governments have denied these allegations.
Further escalating the issue, the Mardin Chief Public Prosecutor’s office initiated a formal investigation into these claims. The prosecutor’s statement highlighted concerns over the respect shown during the official proceedings, particularly focusing on the national anthem.
Mardin’s co-mayor Ahmet Türk responded to the controversies, stating, “We have always respected the nation’s shared values and deny these values were compromised in our council. We urge the public to disregard these smear campaigns and focus on our continued commitment to serve our community.”