On November 17, police forces raided the Van Metropolitan Municipality and detained Co-mayor Bekir Kaya in the morning hours. The employees protested the detention of Kaya and they were attacked by police with water cannons and tear gas without any warning. Many felt faint and were hospitalized in the wake of the attack.

Two months after their protest, the employees are facing an investigation in which they are charged with violating the “Law 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations” for protesting Kaya's detention. The employees stated that they used their right to protest, and criticized the investigation.