Mayor Mentrup wrote a letter to Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and demanded that Germany speak up and take action against the appointment of trustees.

Mentrup also wrote to Turkish Ambassador Nevzat Arslan and said the ruling is in conflict with fundamental goals of democracy like freedom of expression.

Mentrup had hosted Mayor Ozgokce in Karlsruhe last July, and called her a “confident and courageous politician”, praising Ozgokce’s work.

Mayor Mentrup said the trustee appointment to the Van municipality will harm both Van and Karlsruhe.

Meanwhile, many political parties and NGOs in Karlsruhe including the Green Left are holding solidarity events for the ousted HDP mayors.