Ministry of National Defense Addresses Sergeant’s Involvement in Erzurum Events
Ministry of National Defense Announces Decision on Stone Attack on Istanbul Mayor Candidate’s Rally
The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) has released a statement regarding the stone attack on the Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s rally that took place in Erzurum on May 7, 2023. According to the statement, an Expert Sergeant named M. Akif KELEŞ, who was in charge of the Erzurum Central Command, was taken into custody on the grounds that he was involved in the events that occurred in Erzurum. Following an administrative investigation, KELEŞ’s contract was terminated.
The MSB also stated that M. Akif KELEŞ’s involvement in an investigation launched by the Erzurum Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in 2021 for being a member of an armed terrorist organization was not confirmed, and thus no new investigation was initiated against him in this regard.
The stone attack took place during a speech by İmamoğlu in Erzurum, where 15 people were taken into custody. These 15 people were later released after judicial control. Infantry Specialist Sergeant M. Akif Keleş was among the 15 people whose contract was terminated by the Ministry of National Defense.
In his statement to the 2nd Criminal Court of Peace, M. Akif Keleş said that he had gone out for a walk with a friend named Serhat when they stumbled upon İmamoğlu’s rally. He joined a group outside the rally area and got angry when some people from the other side made a victory sign. He expressed his reaction verbally and shouted, “You cannot shout PKK slogans.” Keleş said that he regrets getting involved in the incident and demands that the judicial control measure be rejected.
The stone attack on İmamoğlu’s rally has caused widespread concern in Turkey, and politicians from all parties have condemned the incident. The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stated that those responsible for the attack would not be able to use the nation for their dirty games.
