New arrest warrant for Beykoz Mayor Alaattin Köseler ahead of hearing

Ahead of the hearing on July 13, a new arrest warrant was issued for Beykoz Mayor Alaattin Köseler in line with an investigation conducted by the Beykoz Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Mayor Köseler's lawyer, Çiğdem Kezer, who has been in prison since his arrest 490 days ago, issued a written statement regarding the decision, stating that the move was intended to prevent her client's potential release.

The statement pointed out that the long-running trial is nearing its end and that a release decision was expected. Kezer shared the information that, "As is known, my client, the elected Mayor of Beykoz, Mr. Alaattin Köseler, has been in detention for approximately 490 days as of today."

ALLEGATION OF IRREGULARITY IN INTERROGATION PROCEDURE

Lawyer Kezer emphasized that the request for Mayor Köseler to be brought to the prosecutor's office in person to give a statement and his request to testify physically before the Criminal Judgeship of Peace were not accepted by the court. She alleged that the interrogation conducted via SEGBİS (Audio and Visual Information System) was carried out in violation of procedures. "My client was meeting with me when he was called for SEGBİS procedures at the penal institution. For this reason, the procedural process that took place was recorded with the signatures of our other colleagues who were in the adjacent booths at the time of the meeting," said Kezer, arguing that what happened was contrary to the law and the principle of a fair trial.

"THE GOAL IS TO PREVENT RELEASE"

Evaluating the timing of the new arrest warrant as remarkable with only days left until the final hearing, Kezer continued her claims as follows:

"It is clear that the sole purpose of the accusations made against my client regarding matters he was never involved in, by individuals benefiting from effective remorse provisions to avoid arrest under the direction of certain circles in this newly initiated investigation, is singular. It is known not only by the people of Beykoz but now by all of Turkey that the goal is to prevent my client's release by any means necessary."

The statement also emphasized that the political balances in the Beykoz Municipality have been shifting for some time, that there have been party changes in the Mayor's office, and that the ongoing investigations are linked to this process.

Lawyer Kezer stated that they would pursue all legal rights regarding the process, concluding her statement with the words: "Despite all these injustices and lawlessness, we maintain our belief in the independence and impartiality of the judicial authorities; we want to continue to keep our confidence that justice will eventually be served alive."