Ankara Mayor Yavaş criticizes government over Çankaya arrest: 'Either don't enter elections or don't hold them'

Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş fiercely criticized the recent arrest of Çankaya Mayor Hüseyin Can Güner, denouncing it as a politically motivated attack on opposition municipalities. Speaking at a protest outside Çankaya Municipality, Yavaş demanded equal justice and legal treatment for all, warning that elections lose their meaning if opposition victories are met with such actions.

"If you believe you cannot win, then either don't enter the elections or don't hold them," Yavaş declared. "If the opposition wins the election, don't interfere with them. Let everyone serve their elected constituents until the end of their term."

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If you believe you cannot win, then either don't enter the elections or don't hold them. If the opposition wins the election, don't interfere with them. Let everyone serve their elected constituents until the end of their term.

Yavaş questioned the basis of the investigation against Güner, noting that public statements and media reports did not cite any concrete evidence, such as a MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) report, that implicated the Çankaya mayor. He expressed confidence that Güner would be released soon.

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We want equal law, equal justice for everyone. That is our only wish. Otherwise, there is no meaning to holding elections in the country.

The Ankara mayor accused some media outlets and social media platforms of conducting "court proceedings" and convicting CHP mayors. He expressed concern that such actions against Çankaya could potentially extend to the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. Yavaş asserted that he himself has no ongoing investigations and is committed to governing the metropolitan municipality without corruption, fulfilling his promise to the people of Ankara.

He concluded by reiterating his call for equal justice, contrasting the scrutiny of opposition mayors with alleged financial irregularities involving projects like Anka Park and the questioning of 600 apartments and a 600 million lira villa. Yavaş challenged accusers to present their evidence, stating his readiness to face any allegations.

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We will show that the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality will be managed without corruption. We stand by this promise until the end.