ERBIL — Turkish authorities on Thursday arrested Ahmet Özer, the mayor of Esenyurt, Istanbul’s largest district, on charges of alleged ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), sparking protests from the opposition.

The Interior Ministry announced that Özer was removed from office, with Istanbul Deputy Governor Can Aksoy appointed as his replacement.

The arrest follows accusations that Özer, originally from Van in southeastern Turkey, had communicated with senior PKK leader Ramzi Kartal. Istanbul’s prosecutor’s office charged him with terrorism-related offenses.

“We are seriously ashamed of democracy again. They are openly interfering in the courts,” Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu said in a press conference outside the courthouse, condemning Özer’s arrest and promising to continue the fight for justice.

CHP Deputy Legal Officer Gül Çiftçi echoed this sentiment, writing on social media: “The authorities will win the municipalities they couldn’t win through elections by force.” The Istanbul Bar Association also criticized the move as unconstitutional, citing Article 127, which limits government intervention in local administrations.

The incident recalls events in 2019 when the pro-Kurdish HDP won over 100 municipalities in Turkey’s southeast, only for the government to replace approximately 80 HDP mayors with appointed officials, alleging PKK ties. At that time, the CHP faced criticism for its muted response, with analysts warning that the CHP could face similar tactics.

The DEM Party, a constituent party of the HDP, denounced Özer’s replacement, stating, “As the DEM Party, we will not allow the will of the people to be undermined.”