* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)
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The Governor's Office of İstanbul has announced that Küçükçekmece Deputy Mayor Süleyman Gevezoğlu and Director of Parks and Gardens Department Serafettin Mataracı have been dismissed on the grounds that "the symbols and colors of the PKK were used" in the new layout of a recreational park in Küçükçekmece district.
Releasing a written statement about the issue, the main opposition Republican People's Party's (CHP) Küçükçekmece Municipality has indicated that the issue has been "manipulated."
CLICK - Prosecutors investigate 'PKK symbols' in new layout of recreational park in İstanbul
An investigation was also launched into the recreational park in İstanbul's Küçükçekmece district because its new layout allegedly "resembled" the symbols of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
'It is found objectionable'
In a statement released by the Governor's Office of İstanbul, it has been announced that "after the documents of the Küçükçekmece Sub-Governor's Office about the issue and the information and documents sent to the Governor's Office were examined, it has been found objectionable that Küçükçekmece Deputy Mayor (S.G.) and Director of the Parks and Gardens Department (Ş.M.) remain in office."
Referring to the Article 137 of the Law no. 657 on Civil Servants, the Governor's Office has dismissed the two officials.
CHP's Küçükçekmece Mayor Kemal Çebi spoke about the issue in the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İMM) Municipal Council meeting yesterday (November 12). He said that the issue had been "distorted."
The Disctrict Municipality of Küçükçekmece has also released a statement about the issue. The statement of the Municipality has indicated that the works undertaken in the Atatürk Park "were deliberately perceived and interpreted differently and citizens with sensitivities have been incited to grudge and enmity by being manipulated."
"Upon the demands of our citizens, the related park designs have been removed and an investigation has been launched against the responsible persons," the statement has read further.
The Municipality of Küçükçekmece has also noted that "some manipulative comments went beyond being criticisms and became insulting."
Referring to "the news reported in different platforms and apparently prepared upon a particular order," the Municipality has said that this wave of criticisms has "turned into a smear campaign".
"We would like it to be known that our Municipality does not support any illegal organization or any organization that will jeopardize the unity and integrity of our nation," the statement has read, adding that "the allegations about the Municipality and Mayor are inacceptable and totally unrealistic."
Referring to the "principles and reforms" introduced by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and the first President of the Republic of Turkey, the Municipality has said that "no institution or person can cast a shadow on its belief and loyalty by casting aspersions." (RT/SD)
