CHP suspends anti-refugee mayor's membership for one year

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The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has suspended the membership of Tanju Özcan, the mayor of the northwestern Bolu province, for one year.

The party's High Disciplinary Committee issued the suspension yesterday (September 26) with a unanimous vote.

On September 8, 2021, the CHP's Central Executive Committee referred Özcan to the disciplinary committee, requesting a warning.

The disciplinary investigation concerned Özcan's sexist remarks in a YouTube interview about a woman who wanted help from him for test-tube baby treatment.

Discrimination against refugees

Özcan has long been criticized by rights defenders because of his anti-refugee remarks and practices.

Last year, his proposal for increasing tap water prices for refugee households 10-fold was passed by the municipal council. Later, the Bolu Administrative Court annulled the decision.

Also, the Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office had opened an investigation against the mayor for "abuse of office" and "discrimination."

The party has not taken formal action regarding Özcan's stance on refugees.

After taking office following the March 2019 local elections, Özcan had cut social assistance for the refugees in the city. (AEK/VK)