29.03.2025 14:01
After the arrest of İBB President Ekrem İmamoğlu, it was noteworthy that ABB President Mansur Yavaş, who took the stage during the protests held in Saraçhane and caused a crisis between the DEM Party and CHP with his statements, delivered his speech at the Maltepe rally by reading from a piece of paper.
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After the arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Mayor Mansur Yavaş, who took the stage at the protests held in Saraçhane, caused a crisis between the CHP and the DEM Party with his statements. However, it did not go unnoticed that Yavaş read from a paper during his speech at the Maltepe rally.
WHAT DID YAVAŞ SAY?
Referring to the Nevruz celebrations in the eastern provinces, Yavaş stated, "Yesterday, in a place in the east, while flags that I consider rags were being waved, I do not find it right that the police were handing out cotton candy to those going to that rally. We expect the security forces to also offer cotton candy to the young people here," he said.
ÖZEL APOLOGIZED
Following Yavaş's remarks, CHP leader Özgür Özel made a statement, saying, "Whoever spoke from this podium, I, as the party's chairman, am the one who should ask for forgiveness from the DEM Party members for the words that may have hurt anyone."
DEFENSE OF "MY WORDS WERE DISTORTED"
Shortly after, Yavaş also made a statement regarding the issue. Yavaş stated that his words were distorted, saying: "I am closely watching those who are trying to politicize my speech in Saraçhane by distorting it. My speech is very clear: I criticized the double standard regarding the right to protest, which is guaranteed by the Constitution. I criticized the fact that the tolerance shown by the police at a rally is not displayed in Istanbul Saraçhane or Ankara Kızılay, and that our young people are intervened with tear gas and water cannons. This criticism is about different treatment towards constitutional rights. We want equal application for everyone. Unfortunately, they have started a smear campaign with perception operations again. Yesterday they called me a 'PKK lover,' today they are targeting me as a 'Kurd enemy,' but no one should get their hopes up: We will neither succumb to these perceptions nor turn our backs on our people. I have always opposed the understanding that equates our Kurdish brothers with terrorism. I am still at the same point today. Just like every citizen who has made this land, our Kurdish citizens are our crown."
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