Lawyer files complaint against Turkish mayor over anti-refugee policy plans

A lawyer from Istanbul Bar Association has filed a criminal complaint against mayor of Bolu province over discriminatory remarks targeting refugees, BBC Turkish reported on Tuesday.

Mayor Özcan, a member of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), said in a press conference on Monday that the Bolu municipality would increase the hydro bill by ten times for the foreign nationals who reside in the city.

Lawyer Aydın Egemen filed the complaint against mayor of northwestern Bolu province, Tanju Özcan on charges of “misconduct” and “inciting hatred against segments of the population”.

“Although we cut aid, foreigners have not left Bolu,” Tanju said.

“We decided to take new measures. We will hike some bills, particularly water prices,” he added.

Tanju, who was met with public backlash, has said he would not take a step back from his statement while the CHP has expressed its disagreement with the mayor’s remarks.

“Denying a basic right to life like water to foreign nationals is in stark contrast to our party policies”, CHP’s vice-chair Seyit Torun said.

A new refugee influx from Afghanistan to Turkey has sparked political and social tensions in the country, where the existing refugee crisis over Syrian nationals is becoming increasingly politicised.