In the Gaziosmanpaşa Municipality case, which was separated from the Aziz İhsan Aktaş investigation, a release decision was issued for Mayor Hakan Bahçetepe. In the hearing held at the Istanbul 10th High Criminal Court, it was decided that Bahçetepe would be released under judicial control measures in the form of house arrest.
The prosecution had requested a prison sentence of 4 to 12 years for Bahçetepe, who has been in custody for approximately 17 months, on charges of "bribery." In its final opinion, the prosecution had also requested that Bahçetepe's detention be terminated.
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu made a statement following the decision via the Presidential Candidate Office's X account. İmamoğlu argued that Bahçetepe should return to his mayoral duties.
“This is not justice. There is not a single piece of evidence! Hakan Bahçetepe, whose innocence is clear, has been held captive in prison for 17 months. The statement of a deranged person was enough for the court. While he should be returning to his office in Gaziosmanpaşa, the decision given is release with house arrest. Why?”
In his statement, İmamoğlu claimed that the decision prevents Bahçetepe from meeting with the people of Gaziosmanpaşa. İmamoğlu reacted to the decision, arguing that it was made out of concern for keeping the AK Party deputy mayor in office.
News Source: 12punto
