Turkish authorities impose travel bans on Kurdish co-mayors

The Turkish authorities have restricted the passports of nine co-mayors from Kurdish-majority municipalities on Monday, including prominent figures such as Diyarbakır (Amed) Metropolitan Municipality’s Serra Bucak and Silvan Municipality’s Sevim Biçici, without a court order. This move, criticised by the Kurdish opposition, has raised further concerns over democratic rights and political freedoms in Turkey.

Mehmet Rüştü Tiryaki, Deputy Co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, denounced the decision, alleging that it aims to hinder the co-mayors’ ability to seek resources and build international relationships, crucial, especially in a hostile domestic environment under continuous government pressure. Tiryaki emphasised the arbitrary nature of the bans, stating, “The Interior Ministry has imposed travel bans on numerous co-mayors without any legal basis.”

The imposition of travel bans comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the appointment of trustees to Kurdish-led municipalities by the Turkish government. Tiryaki highlighted the broader context, alleging systematic efforts to undermine Kurdish political representation since the 2016 emergency decrees, which kick-started the practice of deposing elected officials and replacing them with state-appointed trustees. He accused the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of perpetuating a policy of repression, noting, “‘The AKP has resumed its policy of seizing elected co-mayors and stifling local democracy.’”

The Turkish government, through the Interior Ministry, has defended its actions, citing reasons of national security and public order, although no specific court rulings have justified the bans. The affected co-mayors have yet to comment on the travel restrictions imposed upon them.