Nilüfer Elik Yılmaz, co-mayor of Mardin’s Kızıltepe district, won by the HDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party) in March 31 elections, was taken into custody and replaced by a government-appointed trustee on December 12.

Referred to court earlier today, the democratically elected co-mayor was remanded in custody for alleged “membership to a terrorist organisation”.

Yılmaz was then sent to Mardin E Type Closed Prison.