In Thursday's hearing at the Kars 2nd High Criminal Court, Kağızman (Qaxizman) Municipality co-mayor Mehmet Alkan was sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison.

Alkan stated that he was unable to attend the hearing in Kars (Qers) city center due to heavy snowfall and a blizzard, as he assessed the court’s decision. He explained that his lawyers had informed the court panel of the situation through a petition and added: "We submitted a petition to the court panel, requesting that the hearing be postponed to a later date. Initially, the panel accepted our excuse. However, once the hearing began, the court rejected all our requests and sentenced me to 6 years and 3 months in prison based on an unfounded case file, solely to justify the appointment of a trustee."

This is usurpation 

Alkan said that if he were not the co-mayor, he would have been acquitted. He continued: "However, this decision was made solely to pave the way for a trustee appointment. We do not accept this ruling. This is usurpation, a blow to the will of the people. Our people will not accept this."

The people will respond to those who disregard their will 

Alkan said that they won the Kağızman Municipality with the support of the people in the elections. He said: "We managed to restore a municipality that had been neglected for 10 years in just 10 months. We initiated significant projects and set forth plans for further development. However, they are trying to obstruct this progress. For three terms, the impact of the trustee rule has been evident. Our people know what has been done and will never accept it. No one can disrespect the will of the people. Our people will once again respond to those who disrespect their will."