Tuncer Bakırhan was elected co-mayor of Siirt province in 30 March 2014 local elections. On 16 November 2016, he was imprisoned by the AKP regime, and the Municipality of Siirt was usurped by the fascist regime on 17 November.

Hearing in the lawsuit against Bakırhan was held at Siirt 2nd Heavy Penal Court. Up to 111-year jail term was sought for Bakırhan on alleged charges of “membership to a terrorist organisation”, “spreading propaganda for a terrorist organisation” and “organising unlawful meetings and demonstrations”.

Bakırhan, jailed in Bolu F Type High Security Prison attended the hearing via Audio and Video System (SEGBIS) while his lawyers, family and HDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party) officials were present.

Bakırhan’s lawyers said the accusations directed at their client were baseless and unlawful, and demanded his release.

The court, however, sentenced the co-mayor to 8 years and 9 months for “membership to a terrorist organisation”, and to 1 year, 3 months and 15 days for “spreading propaganda for a terrorist organisation”.

Bakırhan’s lawyer Mesut Beştaş said his client was facing an unprecedented sentence in Turkish judicial system as the court rendered the verdict only by basing on the assertions of the police without investigating any accusation.

Beştaş said the court decision was political.