In a related statement, EL-SEN’s lawyer Serkan Mesutoğlu added, “No one’s freedom or dignity is subject to the whims of the Prime Minister“, expressing hope that the outcome of these cases will reinforce that, whether elected or appointed, everyone’s boundaries are defined by the law.
To recall, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel allegedly visited the Teknecik Power Plant while “intoxicated” and called Ahmet Tuğcu a “scoundrel”, threatening to “bring him down“, before instructing the police present to “take him away”. Tuğcu was subsequently detained unlawfully.
Yeniduzen
*Ahmet Tuğcu, as EL-SEN President, has been a strong critic of the Teknecik Power Plant’s operational and environmental standards, particularly its emissions and the government’s alleged neglect in addressing the plant’s environmental impact. Tuğcu has openly accused the government, led by Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, of failing to maintain adequate standards and of not implementing necessary upgrades or pollution controls. According to Tuğcu, this negligence has led to significant health and environmental concerns for local communities, a position that has put him at odds with Üstel and his administration.
Tuğcu’s vocal stance has likely fuelled tension with Üstel, whose government may view Tuğcu’s criticisms as politically motivated or as challenging their handling of North Cyprus’s energy infrastructure. This enmity reportedly came to a head with the recent altercation, where Tuğcu alleges that Üstel, potentially intoxicated, used inflammatory language and ordered his detention. The lawsuit now filed by Tuğcu not only targets the specific incident but also serves as a broader challenge to what he perceives as unchecked authority and misuse of power by Üstel, adding further depth to their already strained relationship. [LGC News Ed.]
