The AKP and CHP continued to trade barbs after the latter’s youth leader in Adana’s Yuregir district was arrested following an altercation even though the video showed a state security guard brandishing a gun at the individual.

Following the incident involving the CHP and a state-led team distributing aid amid the coronavirus pandemic, local CHP youth head Eren Yildirim was detained before being released. Yildirim, however, was soon arrested after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan highlighted the incident in a May 16 speech, accusing the CHP of attacking members of the aid team, the Vefa Social Support Group.

The CHP and Yildirim’s family filed a criminal complaint against B.Y., a guard who works for the Yuregir District Governor’s Office, accusing him of pulling out a weapon during the incident. The CHP also accused B.Y. of improperly using a title as a public servant as he stated that he was the district governor, even though he was just a guard. The party further alleged that the guard abused his office and uttered threats and insults.

B.Y., meanwhile, had earlier filed a criminal complaint against Yildirim.

According to the CHP, Yildirim had noticed a truck belonging to the municipality in front of the district governor’s office that was loading aid supplies from the Vefa Support Group. Yildirim asked why the group was taking aid supplies to the AKP, given that the assistance belonged to the state. B.Y., however, refused to respond, saying, “I am the district governor.”

A dispute between the guard and Yildirim and his accompanying family ensued, ultimately resulting in the detention and subsequent release of Yildirim and his father, mother, and brother. A 5-year-old child in Yildirim’s family was also present during the argument.

The AKP and pro-government media claimed that Yildirim was disturbed after seeing the Vefa Group’s efforts to supply aid to the needy. Pro-government media alleged that four people attacked B.Y. in an organized fashion, showing video footage of the quarrel.

In recent video footage shared by ANKA, however, B.Y. shouts at Yildirim, “You are either a member of FETO or a terrorist,” while Yildirim’s mother says, “You cannot draw a weapon on the public.” During the altercation, B.Y. also cocked the gun, indicating that it was ready to fire.

May 2020

Anka English