Opposition Mayor: Is Serving the Public a Crime?

A Turkish opposition mayor has publicly denounced what he calls a criminalization of political success and public service. Özgür Çelik, a mayor from the Republican People's Party (CHP), made the statement. He claimed that in today's Turkey, simply being a member of the CHP and winning a party congress can be treated as a crime. He further asserted that mayors from his party are being prosecuted for doing their jobs. Çelik said that in districts where CHP mayors won elections, "serving the citizens is also considered a crime." The remarks highlight ongoing tensions between Turkey's political opposition and the national government. They point to a climate where routine municipal duties are becoming politically charged.