Posted 4/2/2024, 7:38:41 PM
Erdogan Blocks Newly Elected Pro-Kurdish Mayor from Taking Office, Sparking Backlash
- Newly elected pro-Kurdish mayor in Turkey denied right to hold office, replaced by runner-up from Erdogan's party
- Election loss a blow to Erdogan's party after opposition retained Istanbul, Ankara; pro-Kurdish party won several municipalities
- Mandate revoked citing last-minute court decision overturning earlier ruling that said jailed politician could run
- Move sparked condemnation and protests; main opposition party dispatched delegation in support
- Over past years, Erdogan’s government removed elected pro-Kurdish mayors for militant links, replaced them with state appointees