Ahmet Özer responds to 'earthquake aid' allegations from prison: 'Those who hand out public property'

Ahmet Özer, the CHP mayor of Istanbul's Esenyurt district who was removed from office, arrested, and replaced by a government-appointed trustee, has reacted to allegations that 'aid packages collected to be sent to the earthquake zone were left to rot in a warehouse.'

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Ahmet Özer responds to 'earthquake aid' allegations from prison: 'Those who hand out public property'

Following reports on the allegations by media outlets close to the government, Özer issued a statement from Silivri (Marmara) Prison, where he has been held for 3.5 months.

In his statement shared via his social media accounts, Özer said, "The conscience of our people in Esenyurt is greater than your dark slanders," and noted the following:

"PUBLIC STATEMENT REGARDING PERCEPTION AND SLANDER OPERATIONS

Our people are fed up with your lies and slanders. I do not attach importance to your perception management and slanders.

These ugly and immoral slanders of yours do not dirty me, as an 'elected' Mayor who worked desperately for the people of Esenyurt, but only those who cast the slander.

Of course, we will settle accounts with all of them before the law; of course, just as I have not taken what is not mine, I will not let anyone take what is mine. However, those who make this slander, those who hand out public property with authority they did not receive from the people, how will you pay the price for the rights you have violated?

How will you recover from the curses you have brought upon yourselves? My dear fellow travelers, those who deny elections and take refuge in the appointment of trustees are now denying our services and taking refuge in lies.

But one day, they will look for a place to hide because of their injustices. We, however, will be waiting for them under the umbrella of law and justice.

The conscience of my dear nation and our precious people of Esenyurt is greater than your dark slanders. With my deepest love and respect.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet ÖZER Mayor of Esenyurt"