Striking message from Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer regarding his detention: 'Our desire transcends iron bars'

Esenyurt Mayor Özer recalled that he was released under judicial control on July 14, 2025, following his detention process that began on October 30, 2024, and noted that the "travel ban" measure was lifted at the hearing on November 3, 2025.

Ahmet Özer stated that the prosecutor has submitted their final opinion on the merits and that the next hearing will be held on January 23, 2026.

Stating "No one should fall into despair," Özer said, "Even though the prosecution's opinion is contrary to the spirit of the process, the decision the court will make is important. I believe I will be acquitted in this case, not because there is a peace process, but because I am innocent and not a member of any organization."

Emphasizing that a decision in accordance with the law is important not only for himself but also for society's trust in the law, Ahmet Özer included the following statements in his announcement:

 “Peace is my most important agenda. Since I am in a 12-square-meter cell, I will continue to make my defenses with the language of peace. Our desire to achieve peace is a force that transcends iron bars. For this, the expectations of society must be met, political operations must be abandoned as soon as possible, a return to the rule of law must be made, and democracy must be revived with all its institutions and rules,” he declared.