Two police officers dismissed from duty after insulted by former AKP MP

Two police officers in Turkey have been dismissed from duty after pulling the car of then AKP MP Zeynep Gül Yılmaz during a traffic stop back in 2021. In the incident, Yılmaz was seen insulting the police officers.

Former AKP MP Zeynep Gül Yılmaz

Duvar English

Two police officers have been dismissed from duty after being insulted by then Justice and Development Party (AKP) lawmaker Zeynep Gül Yılmaz during a traffic stop. The move was announced by main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) group deputy chair and lawmaker Ali Mahir Başarır on June 14

In a 2021-dated incident, the officers pulled Yılmaz’s car during a traffic stop in the southern Mersin’s Erdemli district. In a video circulated on social media, Yılmaz was seen asking a police officer his name during the traffic control where the officer is seen telling the lawmaker that her vehicle had been reported to law enforcement and that it wasn't registered as a deputy's vehicle.

Yılmaz was then heard insulting the officer, calling him "a prick" and telling the officer she didn't need to "deal with this crap," referring to the regular control.

In a press conference held in the Parliament, Başarır said the officers had been suspended for two years following the incident. 

“We learned that two police were dismissed. Zeynep Gül Yılmaz should have been put on trial instead. She should have been tried for insulting public officials. I suggest that the Interior Ministry reconsider this decision and feel some embarrassment. No one can insult the police of this country, but if you are from the AKP, you have such freedom. You can both insult and expel them,” Başarır added.