Turkish police detained the mayor of Hakkari province, Mehmet Siddik Akis, a member of the pro-Kurdish Democratic Party (DEMs), on Monday over alleged ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The arrest comes just two months after Akis won the municipal election in the region, which borders Iran and Iraq.
Previous Pattern of Detentions
Kabul 24: This move follows a pattern of detentions and replacements of pro-Kurdish mayors in Türkiye after municipal elections. In the past, Turkish authorities have removed virtually all pro-Kurdish mayors from their posts, replacing them with state officials over charges of ties to the PKK.
Accusations and Denials
Akis was accused by the Turkish Interior Ministry of having a high-level role in the PKK militant group. However, his party, DEM, has consistently denied any association with the PKK. The party is set to hold a news conference to address the situation.
Regional Strength and Political Repercussions
In the March 31 local elections, DEM reaffirmed its regional strength, winning 10 provinces in the mainly Kurdish southeast. The government’s actions have been met with criticism from the party, which accused the authorities of “usurping the people’s will and conducting a coup” in a statement.
Background on the PKK
The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has been waging a separatist insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984. Over 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict
