Turkish security forces have seized the municipal council building in Akdeniz, Mersin Province, detaining co-mayors Hosyar Sariyildiz and Nuriye Aslan, along with four council members, the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) announced on Friday.

The officials were detained as part of an investigation into alleged crimes, including terror propaganda, financing terrorism, and membership in an armed group, according to Anadolu Agency. In their place, a government-appointed trustee has taken over the municipality.

The DEM Party condemned the move, calling it an attack on Kurdish political representation. “The AKP government continues its hostility against Kurds everywhere. But we will defeat these antidemocratic practices through our struggle,” the party stated on the social media platform X, referring to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Ali Bozan, a DEM Party deputy, criticized the decision, claiming police prevented access to the municipal building. He described the trustee appointment as “theft of will” and pledged to resist the move.

Since 2016, Turkish authorities have removed dozens of Kurdish mayors from office, often replacing them with government trustees. Many of the dismissed officials face charges of alleged ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey considers a terrorist organization.

The incident occurs as Turkey faces the possibility of renewed peace talks with the PKK. Late last month, DEM Party lawmakers Pervin Buldan and Sirri Sureyya Onder visited Imrali prison to meet PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, an unusual development that has sparked speculation about a potential new peace process.

Reacting to the arrests, DEM Party co-chair Tuncer Bakirhan criticized the government’s dual approach, stating, “You cannot claim to work for peace while undermining democratic will. We will fight against trustee coups no matter what the cost and defend the will of our people under all circumstances.”

The recent escalation highlights the enduring tensions between Turkish authorities and pro-Kurdish political movements, with the Akdeniz incident serving as the latest flashpoint in a longstanding conflict over political representation and autonomy.