Police detained 5 Genç-Sen members for protesting PM’s remarks on student residence. The incident took place as a group of Genç-Sen members attempted to flash humorous banners saying “Tayyip, Calm Down and Put That Ayran Bottle Down” and “GENÇSEN, With Boys and Girls”. Protestors held the protest at Kafka Cafe, a cafe located on the other side of PM’s Office in Istanbul.

Upon the protestors’ move, police intervened and detained Genç-Sen members B.G, E.Y, M.B.Ç, O.A and M.B.K. They were declared to be students.

The aforementioned protest was originated from PM’s remarks published by Zaman newspaper.

“We have witnessed in Denizli province. The incapacity of residences create issues. Male and female university students share the same apartment. There is no inspection on that. This is against our conservative democrat mentality. We have given orders to the governor. There will be an inspection one way or another,” PM said.

Government denied allegations

However, AKP government spokesperson Bülent Arınç held a press conference last night denying PM’s remarks that spurred the debate.

“Newspapers articles regarding raids or inspections on private apartments and spaces don’t at all represent the truth. This is cucumber news. We have neither the competence nor the willingness to do that.

“There is no way that PM said that. However, Education and Sports Ministries has all the competence to inspect public and private student residences. On the other hand, we have no intention to investigate who is staying where and with whom. This is not in our interest at all. I absolutely reject these news and find them purposeful.” (NV/BM)

* Click here to read the original article in Turkish.