Board chair orders: MPs’ admission to Bogazici University in crisis
“It’s illegal to block us.”
When lawmakers asked to enter, security forces stood arm-in-arm and blocked their entry. The lawmakers said the university was a public institution and that the blockage was illegal.
“We came for the right to be audited.”
Reacting to what happened, CHP Izmir’s Deputy Prime Minister Yuksel Tashkin said, “I am here as a deputy on an inspection mission. I can enter any facility except prisons. I went to METU yesterday, why didn’t anything happen there? Is it possible that something else could happen there? Why is the rector upset?” he said.
CHP Rize Deputy Tahsin Ocakul said he intended to exercise his authority and should not be hindered or advanced by the barricades formed by security forces.
The academics came to the area where the members of parliament were present, carrying banners.
“I will meet with the Governor of Istanbul.”
CHP member Suat Ozcagdash again made a short statement to reporters, saying, “This madness must end. The authorities must take responsibility. Our Istanbul Cantonment Chairman Ozgür Celik met with the Istanbul governor. The governor has asked for time.”
Meanwhile, lawmakers tried again to enter, but this time were blocked by security at the turnstiles. Security forces also dispersed journalists who tried to take photos from the scene of the melee.
The deputies were then taken away to meet with students and academics, before leaving the campus and holding a press conference in front of the entrance.
“Please don’t suppress this university.”
Suat Ozchadash held a press conference at the entrance and delivered the following message:
“We have experienced all kinds of undemocratic and shameful things that should not have happened. We experience it every day. We continue this struggle. What matters is the democratic standards that are deemed appropriate for this people. May God grant the government wisdom. Those who do not understand this should not oppress this university. We support the appointment of the dean freely chosen by this university.”
“We sent our solidarity.”
Later, CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairman Ozgür Celik spoke about his conversation with Istanbul Governor Davut Gul:
“We tried to find a solution. Somehow our deputies got inside, but this time the security tried to stop them. We had another meeting. Our deputies went inside, met with the teachers, expressed solidarity and made an observation,” they said, going through the formalities and leaving.