Minister Yerlikaya: “Eminent People of the City Cannot Be Partisans of Terrorism”
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya made harsh statements following the arrest and dismissal of Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer on charges of links to a terrorist organization. Speaking at a security meeting in Şanlıurfa, Yerlikaya emphasized that the Republic of Turkey is a state of law and that the fight against all individuals and groups associated with terrorism will continue with determination. Yerlikaya said, “You cannot be one with terrorist organizations on the one hand and on the other hand. The emir of the city cannot be a supporter of terrorism,” he said, criticizing Ahmet Özer.
The Minister stated that terrorism harms the unity and solidarity of the society and that the fight against terrorism will continue not only against terrorists in the mountains but also against the elements that support terrorist organizations. Stating that Turkey has demonstrated a stance that will protect its national will and will not make any concessions to terrorism, Yerlikaya said, “The Republic of Turkey is owned by our beloved nation. This state will not let terrorism pass in any way,” he said.
“Terror is a poison that wants to ambush our unity”
In his speech at the meeting, Yerlikaya stated that terrorist organizations aim to harm the brotherhood of the country and this situation is unacceptable. “Terrorism is a poison that wants to ambush our brotherhood, while its antidote is law and national will,” he said, emphasizing that the fight against terrorism should be supported by all segments of society. Reminding that Turkey has a strong stance in this struggle with its deep-rooted state tradition, Yerlikaya said, “We are shouting here once again: No concessions to terrorism, no passage for those who ambush our brotherhood,” he said.
Stating that Turkey is a country committed to democracy, law and national will, Minister Yerlikaya said that the state is always on the side of the nation. Stating that the law has always said “stop” against terrorism and its supporters, he said, “Every decision of our state is taken with the will of our nation and the fight against terrorism has no politics.”
“The Municipality Law contains definitive provisions in the fight against terrorism”
Referring to the Municipality Law No. 5393 on the dismissal of Ahmet Özer, Yerlikaya gave information on how the legal process works. “Article 45 of the Municipal Law is very clear. Mayors, council members or personnel who are found to be affiliated with terrorist organizations can be suspended by the Minister of Interior or the governor,” Yerlikaya said, clarifying the legal process. Yerlikaya stated that this legal authorization is important within the framework of the measures taken against terrorism.
“No matter which party they belong to, those with a national stance are above our heads”
Stating that Turkey’s fight against terrorism is not limited to armed elements in the mountains, Minister Yerlikaya said that all kinds of structures that provide indirect or direct support to terrorist organizations are also being fought. “Regardless of which party they belong to, our mayors who clearly demonstrate their distance from terrorism are valuable to us,” he said, emphasizing the importance of a non-partisan approach in the fight against terrorism. Stating that the rule of law applies to everyone, the Minister said, “No one’s political identity provides privileges in this struggle.”
“The Republic of Turkey is owned by our beloved nation”
“The Republic of Turkey has 2,200 years of state tradition and the will of our nation is the greatest protector of this state,” said Yerlikaya, reminding the deep-rooted state structure of Turkey and the importance of the will of the nation. Stating that the state and the law will always stand side by side in the fight against terrorism, Yerlikaya said, “If someone’s compass tries to point to terrorism, the law will say ‘stop’ to this, the conscience of the nation will say ‘stop’ to this. Terrorism can only be fought, terrorism has no politics,” he concluded.
