Mayors issue statement following verdict

Following the announcement of the verdict by the Istanbul 1st High Criminal Court in the Aziz İhsan Aktaş case, the mayors named in the file issued consecutive evaluations. The mayors stated that they do not accept the sentences handed down and will pursue legal remedies.

The court acquitted Aziz İhsan Aktaş of the charge of "establishing an organization." A verdict of acquittal was also issued for Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat regarding the charge of "membership in an organization"; however, Akpolat was sentenced to a total of 23 years in prison for the charges of "bribery" and "rigging a tender."

In the ruling, it was ordered that the detention of Akpolat, Seyhan Mayor Oya Tekin, and her husband Celal Tekin continue. The release of the detained deputy mayors Ceyhan Kayhan and Erhan Daka was ordered.

MAYORS EMPHASIZE APPEALS AND SUPREME COURT

Avcılar Mayor Utku Caner Çaykara stated that he was acquitted of the allegations of rigging a tender, but received a sentence of 6 years and 8 months due to allegations that he received support for his pre-election campaign. Çaykara said, "We believe in our innocence. We will utilize all our legal options and will quickly file our appeal to the regional court."

Ceyhan Mayor Kadir Aydar also argued that the verdict was unjust. Stating that the request for an expert report was not met, Aydar said, "This case has an appellate stage and a Supreme Court stage. I am 100 percent sure that this sentence will be overturned."

Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer stated that he had expected an acquittal, noting that he was acquitted of the allegations of rigging a tender and forgery of private documents contained in the indictment. Özer stated that the 8-month and 10-day sentence given for the crime of misconduct in office was deferred, and that this does not constitute an obstacle to his return to duty.

Expressing his sadness over the sentences given to the other mayors, Özer described the decisions as "disproportionate." Emphasizing that the legal process will continue, the mayors expressed their belief that they will be acquitted in the higher courts.

News Source: 12punto