> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.botantimes.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Media Monitoring Report: Kurdish Media Coverage of Trustee Appointments in Turkey
- URL: https://www.botantimes.com/media-monitoring-report-kurdish-media-coverage-of-trustee-appointments-in-turkey/
- Published: 2024-11-04T16:51:46.000Z
- Updated: 2024-11-04T16:51:46.000Z
- Author: Murat Bayram
- Tags: English, Newsletter, #Migrated-1779046579484, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-05-17 22:37

*Date: November 4, 2024*

## Overview

Multiple Kurdish media outlets reported on the Turkish government's appointment of trustees to three municipalities: Mardin Metropolitan Municipality, Batman Municipality, and Halfeti Municipality. The coverage emphasized themes of "usurpation of people's will" and "anti-democratic practices."

## Coverage by Media Outlets

### Mezopotamya Agency

The agency framed the appointments as an attack on democratic will, highlighting social media reactions from various organizations and politicians. Key quotes included:

- ÖHD (Lawyers for Freedom): "The people's will has been usurped through trustee appointments. We will follow every stage of these unlawful, unjust, and usurping practices."
- TJA (Free Women's Movement): "This is oppression and violence delivered through a coup against co-mayors elected by women's strong will."
- DEM Youth Center: "The state mentality that appoints trustees to Kurdistan's cities will face resistance from Kurdish people and their allies."

### Artı Gerçek

The outlet provided extensive coverage of CHP leader Özgür Özel's visit to Mardin and his significant statements:

- Emphasized Ahmet Türk's 50-year political career: "For 50 years, whenever ballot boxes are placed before them, Mardin residents and Kurds elect Ahmet Türk. You cannot be stubborn against this will."
- Criticized unequal treatment: "If people elect your candidate, they can serve, but if they elect someone else, you appoint trustees. Is this equal citizenship?"
- Called for democratic resolution: "Until every Kurd feels as equal as residents of Manisa, Osmaniye, and Rize, we will continue our struggle for democracy."
- Announced institutional response: Turkish Municipalities Union will meet and seek appointments with all political party leaders except Erdoğan.

### Xwebun

The Kurdish-language outlet focused on protest actions, reporting that:

- Thousands gathered in front of AZC Plaza Office in Amed (Diyarbakır)
- Protesters marched behind a banner reading "No one can seize the people's will, we won't allow trustees"
- DEM Party Amed Organization Co-chair Abbas Şahin stated: "Those who insist on non-resolution first talk about solving the Kurdish issue, then behind the curtain make plans against Kurdish people's achievements."

### Diyarname

The Kurdish-language publication compiled reactions from various political figures:

- DEM Party Co-chair Tuncer Bakirhan: Referenced MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli's previous statements and criticized the "plan to appoint trustees"
- Co-chair Tulay Hatimogullari: "Even if you send a hundred thousand trustees, the people's will shall prevail"
- Mardin Metropolitan Co-mayor Ahmet Türk: Called for raising voices against "this unlawful and anti-democratic approach"

### İlke TV

The outlet provided historical context, reporting that:

- Trustee appointments gained momentum after the July 15, 2016 coup attempt
- Since 2016, trustees have been appointed 160 times to municipalities
- The practice was implemented through Decree Law No. 674 during the State of Emergency

## Common Themes in Coverage

1. **Democratic Rights**: All outlets emphasized the violation of democratic rights and electoral will
2. **Historical Context**: Media connected current appointments to previous practices since 2016
3. **Resistance**: Coverage highlighted organized protests and calls for continued resistance
4. **Kurdish Political Rights**: Reports framed the issue within the broader context of Kurdish political representation
5. **Opposition Unity**: Notable coverage of mainstream opposition support through CHP leader's visit and statements

## Notable Observations

- Kurdish-language media outlets (Xwebun, Diyarname) provided more detailed coverage of local protests and community reactions
- All outlets emphasized the connection between women's rights and local governance through coverage of women's organizations' statements
- Media outlets highlighted cross-party solidarity, particularly emphasizing CHP leader Özgür Özel's strong statements against the trustee appointments
- The visit of CHP leader to Mardin was portrayed as a significant show of opposition unity against the trustee practice

*Sources: Mezopotamya Agency, Artı Gerçek, Xwebun, Diyarname, İlke TV*