Simultaneous raids were carried out on 22 addresses on March 6, citing the investigation initiated by the Urfa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. During the house raids, 17 people, including the People's Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Pirsûs Municipality Council member candidates and district administrators, were detained. 17 people who appeared before the judge on March 9 were arrested on the grounds of "being a member of a terrorist organization".

 

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL VISITED THE TRUSTEE

 

Meanwhile, it was revealed that the chief prosecutor, who initiated the investigation based on secret witness statements, visited the Suruç trustee a few days before the raids. Sevda Çelik Ozbingöl, one of the defense lawyers, reminded that the March 31 local elections were approaching and pointed out that the arrest dates were not a coincidence. Stating that before every election, all public institutions and public facilities are used by the government for election propaganda, Ozbingöl said: “Public institutions and facilities are mobilized for the election activities of the government. That's why detentions and arrests are events we are very familiar with. We faced a similar operation again in last year's general elections." 

Reminding that DEM Party members and candidates were detained and arrested by the judiciary in many cities during the run-up to the elections, Ozbingöl continued as follows: “We are discussing a period in which public facilities and opportunities were put into service for elections and the interests of the government. We do not think of this process as just a capture and detention operation. In Şırnak, we experienced election campaign practices, especially involving the governor, district governor, corps commanders, civil and administrative chiefs. A few days ago, we witnessed the Urfa Chief Public Prosecutor visiting the Suruç trustee. Both during and after the visit, we see that public employees themselves are involved in the election activities of the government, forgetting their duties and missions. There was an operation against our elected officials, administrators and subsequently our candidates in the district, through a process involving the judiciary and the law enforcement."

 

ABSTRACT AND UNSOUNDED CLAIMS

 

Emphasizing that the file was carried out under a confidentiality order, Ozbingöl said that the file was based on abstract and unfounded allegations. Ozbinböl stated that, as the legal commission, they will follow up on all irregularities they detect during the election process, both through the provincial and district election boards and the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.