13-month legal battle concludes: IMM Municipal Police Chief Hakan Aplak returns to duty

Hakan Aplak, the European Side Municipal Police Chief who was detained as part of investigations conducted within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) and spent 391 days in prison, has put his uniform back on after regaining his freedom. IMM Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan, municipal bureaucrats, and numerous colleagues attended the ceremony held at the Municipal Police Department Conference Hall to show their support for Aplak. Taking the podium to applause, Aplak expressed his pride in returning to his duty with his head held high.

NURİ ASLAN: AN UNJUST AND UNLAWFUL PROCESS HAS ENDED

Speaking at the ceremony, IMM Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan stated that Hakan Aplak is a source of pride for the organization with his honesty and diligence, describing the process as "unjust and unlawful." Conveying the greetings of Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Aslan said, "We are going through difficult times; we know we are being targeted, but we are not taking a single step back. Our Chief Hakan's return to his post with his honor intact refreshes our faith in justice. Just as we have reunited with our Chief Hakan today, we will reunite with all our colleagues who have been subjected to injustice, one by one. Sooner or later, the righteous will prevail." Aslan also extended a message of solidarity to Nazan Başelli, the Anatolian Side Municipal Police Chief who was subjected to similar injustices, by saying "welcome back" to her as well.

HAKAN APLAK: I AM BACK HOME AFTER 391 DAYS OF LONGING

Hakan Aplak, who has regained the municipal police uniform he has worn with honor for 28 years, could not hide his emotions during his speech. Describing the 13 months he spent in prison as the longest and most difficult days of his life, Aplak said, "For exactly 391 days, I was kept away from my family and my beloved profession. During this process, I drew my greatest strength from my family and the trust you placed in me. I wish for all my colleagues who are still detained, especially our Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, to reunite with their loved ones as soon as possible."

Following the ceremony, IMM Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan presented fresh wildflowers to Hakan Aplak and Nazan Başelli in commemoration of their return to duty. The program concluded with lunch served to the staff and a commemorative photograph.

News Source: 12punto