Forensic Medicine Institute rules Murat Çalık can remain in prison

The Forensic Medicine Second Supreme Board has completed its evaluation of detained Beylikdüzü Mayor Mehmet Murat Çalık, who underwent surgery due to suspected lymphoma and reportedly experienced significant weight loss while in prison. The board stated that Çalık's health status is being monitored through regular check-ups and that there is no medical obstacle to him remaining in prison conditions.

LAWYERS FILED A NEW APPEAL

According to a report by Furkan Karabay in Medyascope, Mehmet Murat Çalık, who was arrested on March 23 as part of investigations into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, had been transferred to the İzmir Buca F-Type High-Security Closed Penal Institution. Following the Forensic Medicine Institute's August 13 report stating that he "can remain in prison," Çalık's lawyers objected to the decision and filed a new application.

The appeal petitions submitted by the lawyers included information that Çalık had lost approximately 25 kilograms during his time in prison and had been diagnosed with "acute myeloid leukemia M4" in 1999. The petition argued that the August 13 Forensic Medicine report did not reflect the severity of his health condition.

The application stated that the previous report was abstract in nature, contradicted Çalık's current health status, and lacked scientific basis. The petition also noted that doctor's reports indicating the progression of the disease had been submitted to the institution.

UNANIMOUS DECISION: "CAN REMAIN IN PRISON"

The Forensic Medicine Second Supreme Board reviewed all submitted petitions, reports, and medical documents. The board recorded that regular outpatient check-ups were provided during the time Çalık was in custody. As a result of the evaluation, it was stated that no condition was identified that would prevent him from remaining in prison conditions given his current health status.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Mehmet Murat Çalık was detained by police teams on March 19 as part of a corruption investigation into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB). After his procedures at the police station, Çalık was referred to the courthouse and arrested on March 23 on charges of "being a member of an organization established to commit crimes" and "extortion."

Çalık, who is being held in a prison in İzmir, was admitted to İzmir City Hospital on June 23 after falling ill. Çalık was sent back to prison on July 8.