3 mayors sacked in Turkey

The Turkish government has dismissed three pro-Kurdish mayors from southeastern cities Mardin, Batman, and Halfeti, citing their alleged connections to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its allies. The mayors, from the pro-Kurdish Democratic Regions Party (DEM), were replaced by state-appointed trustees following a history of removals of elected officials in the region on similar terrorism-related charges. This move comes shortly after the arrest of a mayor from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) for purported links to the PKK, further intensifying concerns about political repression. The dismissed mayors, particularly Ahmet Turk of Mardin, have vowed to continue their fight for democracy and the rights of their constituents despite the government's crackdown. The Interior Ministry's actions have sparked protests and heightened security measures in the affected areas, reflecting ongoing tensions in Turkey's southeast. The situation illustrates the Turkish government's hardline approach to perceived threats from Kurdish political entities.