CHP's Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan Investigated for Unlawful Anti-Syrian Actions, Justice Minister Announces

Jan 5, 2025, 10:38 AM

Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan, affiliated with the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), is under investigation by the Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for his statements and actions against Syrian refugees in Turkey. Located in northwestern Turkey, Bolu's mayor admitted to unlawfully canceling the business licenses of Syrians and removing Arabic signs overnight, as well as imposing illegal hikes on wedding and water fees. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced the initiation of the investigation due to Özcan's remarks about Syrians. The investigation is being conducted under the Turkish Penal Code's Article 122, which addresses hate and discrimination, and there is also a request for an investigation into Özcan for abuse of power under Law No. 4483. This is Özcan's second term as mayor, having secured over 52% of the votes in the 2024 local elections.