The AKP’s disappointment

By Matay Türker Political parties may come and go, and offices may pass from one person to another, but justice and the law should not and can not change according to who holds power. The emergence of İdil Mayor Türkan Kayır’s name in connection with the sealing and demolition of homes and buildings belonging to the Syriac community has raised serious questions among the public. Kayır joined the Justice and Development Party after being expelled from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party). Allegations that Kayır’s actions stem from personal resentment and a desire for self-gratification rather than legal necessity suggest that this is not merely a zoning dispute. The mayor’s office is not a place to settle personal scores, and public authority must not be used as a tool for resolving personal disputes. What is truly astonishing is the situation regarding buildings in İdil. While it is alleged that around 80 percent of buildings in the district lack the necessary permits, why is it specifically buildings belonging to the Syriac community that are subjected to closure and demolition orders? Furthermore, allegations have emerged that the house where Kayır herself lives is also illegal. If these allegations are true, Kayır should first disclose the legal status of her own home to the public. No one is defending construction without a permit, but the law must be applied equally to everyone. If the impression takes hold that only certain institutions are being targeted, despite the existence of thousands of unlicensed buildings in the district, the municipal administration is obligated to explain the reasons behind these this. Syriacs are not guests in this country. They have been an integral part of these lands for thousands of years. They cannot be expected to remain silent in the face of controversial practices targeting their churches, monasteries, and community institutions. The AKP also has an important responsibility in this matter. Türkan Kayır’s joining the ruling party does not grant her any privilege to act above the law. Nor can the AKP’s political power serve as a shield behind which personal scores are settled. Allegations that Kayır is relying on political backing to carry out these actions must be clarified. We ask the AKP leadership: Are you aware of the measures Türkan Kayır is taking against properties belonging to the Syriac community? Will you investigate the legality of these measures? We must not forget that municipalities are not anyone’s personal property. Moreover, the powers of the state are not a personal weapon in the hands of any politician. Justice can only be achieved when the law is applied equally to everyone. When it is enforced according to personal animosities, it ceases to be law and becomes an abuse of power. The AKP’s real disappointment lies not in a mayor changing her party affiliation, but in the erosion of public trust in the neutrality of public authority. The original article was published by Gazete Sabro. You can read the original article here. The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of SyriacPress.