The Turkish government on Monday dismissed the mayors of Diyarbakir, Van, and Mardin -- all elected in March for the predominantly-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) -- over alleged terror links and replaced them with appointees.
According to Orensel daily, the CHP central council reviewed the development in a 4-hour meeting but stopped short of deciding to participate in street protests against the removal of the mayors.
The meeting said the move is a blow to democracy in Turkey, stating that the CHP will continue expressing its protest verbally but prevents from taking part in protesting gatherings.
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