Co-mayor of Tunceli (Dêrsim) Birsen Orhan was detained at her home in Pertek (Pêrteg) on Saturday, just days after having been released under house arrest. Prosecutors accuse her of violating Turkey’s protest laws and resisting public officials.
Orhan, who was removed from her post and replaced by a government-appointed trustee on 22 November, was taken to Tunceli Judicial Buildings following her detention. After questioning by prosecutors, she was referred to court on charges of “contravening the law on assemblies and demonstrations” and “resisting officers in the course of their duty”. The court ruled for her to be remanded in custody on these charges.
The charges stem from her alleged participation in demonstrations critical of government policies. Orhan’s removal from office and subsequent arrests have drawn widespread attention, with supporters describing the actions as politically motivated.
This marks another chapter in the ongoing tension between Turkey’s government and opposition figures, particularly those associated with Kurdish or leftist movements. Orhan’s legal team has vowed to appeal the ruling, arguing that the charges lack sufficient evidence and are part of broader efforts to suppress dissent.
