Protest in Adalar Over Mayor's Detention; CHP Leader Slams 'Distraction Operations'

Tensions simmer in Istanbul's Adalar district following a dawn police operation that led to the detention of Mayor Ali Ercan Akpolat, his deputies, and municipal staff on June 19. The detentions have sparked widespread condemnation from the Republican People's Party (CHP), which governs the municipality.

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Ali Ercan Akpolat is a very valuable person raised by these lands. He is a very valuable asset.

Following an initial press conference on Friday attended by CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairman Özgür Çelik, a larger demonstration and press briefing took place on Sunday. This event saw participation from CHP's Istanbul and district organizations, along with Adalar residents, local NGOs, and national party figures including MPs Mahmut Tanal, Ali Gökçek, and Cemal Enginyurt.

During the rally at Büyükada Square, CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairman Özgür Çelik voiced strong support for Mayor Akpolat, describing him as a "very valuable person" and a "great asset" to the region. He also extended Father's Day greetings to Akpolat, who was being held in Silivri, and to other detained mayors and colleagues, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

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Because they cannot govern Turkey, they want to cover up the country's fundamental problems with an operation every day so that the real agenda of the country is not discussed.

Çelik accused the government of orchestrating "operations" to divert attention from Turkey's core problems. He asserted that the CHP, despite facing "tyranny," is effectively managing the country's issues and continuing its path toward governance. He highlighted Akpolat's swift return from a family visit in Switzerland upon hearing the news as proof of his confidence and innocence, stating that Akpolat "came to Adalar from Switzerland because he trusts himself."

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He came to Adalar from Switzerland because he trusts himself. Ercan Akpolat and his colleagues have no guilt.

Addressing the allegations of corruption, embezzlement, and bribery, Çelik pointed out that Adalar has lacked zoning plans for two years and seen no construction, being a protected SİT area. He questioned the basis for such charges given the municipality's low budget and the allocation of funds based on a population of 16,000, which swells significantly on summer weekends.

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They are trying to invent guilt. In Adalar, there have been no zoning plans for two years. No construction has been done in Adalar for two years.