HDP’s dismissed Batman Co-Mayor Mehmet Demir arrested

* Photo: Mezopotamya Agency (MA)

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Removed from office by the Ministry of Interior in late March, Peoples' Democratic Party's (HDP) dismissed Batman Co-Mayor Mehmet Demir has been arrested. As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA), he is charged with "being a member of an armed terrorist organization."

Demir was taken into custody on July 21 as part of an investigation launched by Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on October 9, 2018.

After the related formalities were completed at Diyarbakır Security Directorate, Demir was first referred to the prosecutor's office for his deposition, then to the Penal Judgeship of Peace on Duty to be arrested.

The judgeship has ruled that Mehmet Demir shall be arrested on charge of "being a member of an organization." As reported by Mezopotamya Agency (MA), Demir has been sent to Diyarbakır Type D Prison.

He was taken into custody twice before

Mehmet Demir was previously detained and released with Batman Co-Mayor Songül Korkmaz, Batman Vice Co-Mayors Şehriban Aydın and Salih Çetinkaya, Batman Municipal Council Co-Spokespersons Şükran Çelebi and Recep Yargı, Silvan Co-Mayor Naşide Toprak, Ergani Co-Mayor Ahmet Kaya, Eğil Co-Mayor Mustafa Akkul and Yenişehir Co-Mayor Belgin Diken.

On the same day when they were taken into custody, the Ministry of Interior removed them from office, appointing trustees to the Municipalities of Batman, Ergani, Eğil, Lice, Silvan, Güroymak, Halfeli and Gökçebağ.

Later in 2020, Mehmet Demir was also detained with 41 others as part of an operation against the Democratic Society Congress (DTK) on June 26, 2020. He was released afterwards. (EKN/SD)