Striking reactions to Zeydan Karalar's release: There was no crime, there was no evidence

In today's hearing of the case known as the "Aziz İhsan Aktaş Criminal Organization Case," which involves 200 defendants including 7 CHP mayors, 5 of whom were in custody, a decision was made to release 9 individuals, including Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeydan Karalar.

While Karalar's release was met with joy by his supporters, the decision to continue the detention of the mayors of Beşiktaş, Ceyhan, Seyhan, and Avcılar sparked controversy.

Following Karalar's release, positive comments also came from various political circles. Numerous figures, from AKP's Şamil Tayyar to Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş and Ali Mahir Başarır, emphasized that the release decision regarding Karalar was correct and appropriate.

AKP'S ŞAMİL TAYYAR: JUSTICE IS GOOD

Şamil Tayyar, one of the leading figures who identifies as an AKP member, shared a post stating that he found the decision positive.

Tayyar said the following:

"The decision to release Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeydan Karalar is a correct and appropriate decision.

Instead of engaging in political polemics against the accusations leveled at him at every opportunity, Karalar tried to defend himself on legal grounds.

Furthermore, even if he had been found guilty and sentenced, he would have only served this much time. Justice is good."

MANSUR YAVAŞ

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş also used the following expressions on his social media account:

"The release decision regarding our Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeydan Karalar has made us all happy. Get well soon, Mr. Mayor. May the same happen for our other mayors who are currently in custody."

ALİ MAHİR BAŞARIR

CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır said the following regarding Karalar's release:

"The prosecutor requested the continuation of our mayors' detention in the interim opinion. The judge released Zeydan Karalar. This decision was what it should have been; it was a delayed decision. Of course, we are happy, but our other mayors are still in custody. Keeping elected mayors in prison with a judicial practice reminiscent of coup eras is not law, but political hostage-taking. We will not be silent! Until our innocent mayors are released, we will continue to voice our demand for a fair trial and the rule of law!"

ÖZGÜR ÇELİK

CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Özgür Çelik said the following:

"We are very happy that the unjust imprisonment of our Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeydan Karalar has ended. We are in front of Silivri Prison to welcome him. We will continue our resistance for justice and our legal struggle to the end for our mayors and comrades who are still in custody. We will win."

ULAŞ KARASU

CHP Deputy Chairman Ulaş Karasu noted the following:

"Our Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeydan Karalar, who was unjustly imprisoned, has finally been released. Justice will surely find its place in Turkey. Injustices and lawlessness will come to an end. We will continue our struggle for justice, democracy, and the will of the people with determination for all our mayors and comrades. Get well soon, Mayor Zeydan!"

VELİ AĞBABA

CHP Malatya MP Veli Ağbaba used the following expressions:

"Our Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeydan Karalar has finally been released. There was no crime, there was no evidence; justice was delayed by 212 days. There is still not a single answer to the question of why he was in custody. May the same happen for all our imprisoned mayors..."

HAKAN BAHÇETEPE

Imprisoned Gaziosmanpaşa Mayor Bahçetepe stated that the decision was a source of hope for everyone. Bahçetepe noted the following:

"The fact that our Mayor Zeydan Karalar has regained his freedom has given us all hope. We have full faith that justice will sooner or later find its place in this country, and that injustices and lawlessness will come to an end. The day will come; I will also reunite with the beautiful people of Gaziosmanpaşa and walk side by side on the same streets. Until that day, we will continue to grow hope and wait with faith."