Threats against Dutch-Turkish Rotterdam politician prompts leave of absence

Dutch-Turkish CDA councilor in Rotterdam Turan Yazir is taking a leave of absence from his faction due to threats. This follows Turkish newspaper Daily Sabah publishing Yazir's full name and a photo and calling him partly responsible for the political fallout between the Netherlands and Turkey, the CDA faction in Rotterdam confirmed to NU.nl.

In a written statement the CDA faction states that Yazir's leave of absence has to do with the increased tensions in the Turkish community in Rotterdam. "The tensions in Rotterdam as a result of developments in Turkey have such an impact that it is impossible for Yazir to duly exercise his duties as councilor", faction leader Sven de Langen said. According to De Langen, Yazir definitely plans to resume his position once things have calmed down. "Turan is determined to, after a period in which mainly family will stand central, pursue his political activities unabated."

During his leave of absence, Yazir will be temporarily replaced by Christine Eskes. 

The 42-year-old Yazir is known as a Gulen sympathizer and was also the target of threats after an attempted coup in Turkey last year. The Turkish government sees Fethullah Gulen as president Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main rival and blames the cleric for the failed coup. The Turkish newspaper calls Yazir a politician that works with "fascists in the Netherlands, like Geert Wilders". According to the newspaper, he and two other CDA councilors support the PVV leader because they are against Erdogan.

In a previous interview with newspaper AD, Yazir said that he is considered a traitor in Turkey. He would say nothing further in fear of further escalation.