17.07.2026 22:01
Footage has emerged of tensions during the Toroslar Municipality’s July council meeting in Mersin. The video captures moments after CHP-affiliated Toroslar Mayor Abdurrahman Yıldız adjourned the session, when AK Party council member Mehmet Özkan rushed toward him. The ensuing scuffle was also recorded second by second.
During the expressions of wishes and opinions section of the Toroslar Municipality July Assembly Meeting held in Mersin on July 1, AK Party Council Member Mehmet Özkan criticized the municipality's direct procurement tenders, municipal practices, and alleged layoffs, leading to a verbal dispute with Mayor Abdurrahman Yıldız.
FOOTAGE EMERGES: CHP MAYOR WALKS TOWARD AK PARTY MEMBER
As the argument escalated, Yıldız turned off Özkan's microphone and shouted, "Who do you think you are? Sit down, you disrespectful man, shut up," before adjourning the meeting. Footage of the tension at the Assembly Meeting has emerged. The footage shows Mayor Yıldız stepping down from the podium after the session ended and walking toward AK Party Council Member Mehmet Özkan, who was seated, with bystanders intervening to separate the parties.
A brief scuffle occurred in the hall during the incident, and it was notable that a female municipal staff member covered the lens of the local camera broadcasting the meeting with her hand, ending the broadcast. The camera recordings also show journalist and Council Member Vahap Şehitoğlu attempting to record the events with his mobile phone, being blocked by some DEM Party council members, and a scuffle ensuing.
CRIMINAL COMPLAINT FILED
Meanwhile, it was learned that after the incident, AK Party Council Member Mehmet Özkan went to the Toroslar District Police Department and filed a criminal complaint against Mayor Abdurrahman Yıldız.