In Turkey, Mehmet Sıddık Akış, the mayor of Hakkari, has been sentenced to 19 years and 6 months in prison on charges including leading a terrorist organization. The trial at the Hakkari 1st Heavy Penal Court was attended by only a few lawyers due to heavy security measures, and party members and politicians were barred from entering. Akış’s defense claimed the case was politicized and criticized the involvement of alleged FETÖ members in the prosecution. The controversial appointment of a trustee to Hakkari Municipality by the Interior Ministry has intensified the political debate, with critics labeling it an ‘undemocratic practice’ and supporters of Akış continuing protests outside the courthouse.In Spain, the assassination of Borja Villacís, brother of Begoña Villacís, the former vice-mayor of Madrid, has been linked to his past involvement with extreme right-wing groups and a criminal record that includes drug trafficking and money laundering. The murder, which occurred on the M-612 highway, is being investigated as a settling of scores. Encrypted conversations via EncroCHAT, cracked by French police, have revealed details of Villacís’s illegal activities. His family, including Begoña Villacís, has requested privacy and justice, while the police continue to search for additional suspects.
Key points
- Mehmet Sıddık Akış, mayor of Hakkari, sentenced to 19 years and 6 months for terrorism-related charges amid political controversy.
- Borja Villacís, brother of former Madrid vice-mayor, assassinated; criminal past and encrypted conversations uncovered.
