The week has begun with worrying news for Kurds and other citizens of Turkey: The Interior Ministry removed three elected mayors from their posts, citing their alleged links with terrorism, in mainly Kurdish southeastern provinces of Turkey. Government trustees were appointed to replace the mayors of Diyarbakir, Mardin and Van. There is no need to argue how ridiculous the charges are against the removed mayors, who were elected by 63%, 56% and 53% of the vote respectively in March 31 local elections.
The mayor of Mardin, Ahmet Turk, was removed from the same post in the aftermath of the coup attempt in 2016 as part of a widespread crackdown on Kurdish politicians, activists and journalists. He is a veteran politician who has served at various intervals in the Turkish parliament since 1973, with a reputation far removed from any terrorism allegations.