Turkey’s opposition is calling for a rally at Esenyurt Square to protest the government’s appointment of a trustee following the arrest of Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer. Özer, elected through a “city consensus” between the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party in the 31 March local elections, was detained on allegations of terrorism-related links.
Initially planned outside Esenyurt Municipality, the protest was moved to Esenyurt Square after police blockaded the building. “We moved the rally to Esenyurt Square as the municipality was secured by police barriers,” CHP sources explained.
CHP leader Özgür Özel condemned the trustee appointment as a “political coup”, calling on Esenyurt residents to join at 16:00. “We will defend the people’s will,” he said, describing the rally as essential to “protect the integrity of our local democracy”.
CHP İstanbul MP Özgür Karabat took control of the party bus after police initially barred entry, ensuring it reached the rally site. “We won’t be silenced,” Karabat stated, with CHP member Mahmut Tanal assisting by holding up traffic to allow the bus through.
The DEM Party also joined the call, with DEM Party İstanbul Chair Murat Kalmaz urging “all democracy supporters” to attend. “This is an outright coup against the people’s will,” Kalmaz said, reiterating the need to resist government intervention in local representation.
The rally follows İstanbul Deputy Governor Can Aksoy’s appointment as trustee after Mayor Özer’s arrest on alleged ties to a Kurdish group—charges that both CHP and DEM Party leaders claim are politically motivated. Both parties continue to demand the reinstatement of the elected administration in Esenyurt.
Organisers stress the rally’s peaceful intent, affirming their opposition to government actions. “We will not remain silent against this lawlessness and political coup,” DEM Party officials said, rallying further support for the protest.
