The appointment of a trustee to Batman (Êlih) municipality, to replace the freely and democratically elected Democracy and Equality Party (DEM Party) mayor, Gülistan Sönük, meant an increase in arbitrary practices, such as the firing of workers in crucial places.  

Last 31 December, the trustee dismissed 20 workers, and on Friday, an additional 18, without any justification.

Most of the 18 new fired workers were employed in the People's Canteen, an initiative launched during the administration of the DEM Party.

The restaurant, which can accommodate 200 people, opened every weekday between 12:00 and 19:00. A 3-course meal will be sold for 100 TL (3 euros). An average of 2,000 people will be served daily.