The Turkish Ministry of Interior has removed Van Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Abdullah Zeydan from office, appointing Van Governor Ozan Balcı as a trustee in his place.
On February 11, the Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court sentenced Abdullah Zeydan to 3 years and 9 months in prison on charges of “knowingly and willingly aiding an armed terrorist organization.”
In its official statement, the Ministry of Interior stated:
“As a temporary measure, Van Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Abdullah Zeydan has been removed from office by the Ministry of Interior. Van Governor Ozan Balcı has been appointed as acting mayor.”
Governor Balcı Takes Office
Appointed as acting mayor by the Ministry of Interior, Governor Ozan Balcı has officially assumed his new role. Arriving at Van Metropolitan Municipality in the morning, he was welcomed by department heads at the entrance.
Meanwhile, police took extensive security measures around the municipality, with Van Police Chief Murat Mutlu also present.
127 People Detained
In the early morning hours, police officers dispersed a group of party members who had gathered in front of the municipality building to protest Zeydan’s removal following his sentencing on February 11.
Despite warnings to disperse peacefully, the group resisted, prompting police intervention. As a result, 127 individuals were detained and taken to Van Police Department.
