Appeal against prison sentence for Ahmet Özer: 'We absolutely do not accept it'

Suspended Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer has issued a statement on his social media account regarding the 8-month and 10-day prison sentence handed down to him in the Aziz İhsan Aktaş Criminal Organization Case.

Özer stated that in the final hearing held on August 24, 2026, he was acquitted of the charges included in the indictment against him. However, he noted that he was sentenced to 8 months and 10 days in prison for "misconduct in office" and that a decision was made to defer the announcement of the verdict (HAGB) for this sentence.

FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION

In the final hearing held on August 24, 2026, it was decided that I be acquitted of the charges alleged in the indictment prepared against me.

However, perhaps based solely on the fact that I spent some time in a penal institution as a detainee…

— Ahmet Özer (@profdrahmetozer) August 25, 2026

Pointing to the assessment of his legal team regarding the file, Özer expressed that their ultimate expectation is an acquittal.

In his statement, Özer indicated that they would continue their legal struggle, saying, "Our greatest expectation and motivation is, God willing, to return to our post as soon as possible and continue serving Esenyurt from where we left off."

The full text of Özer's statement is as follows:

"FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION

In the final hearing held on August 24, 2026, it was decided that I be acquitted of the charges alleged in the indictment prepared against me.

However, perhaps based solely on the fact that I spent some time in a penal institution as a detainee, in a way that creates the impression that a sentence had to be given, I was sentenced to 8 months and 10 days in prison for the charge of “misconduct in office”; however, a decision was made to defer the announcement of the verdict (HAGB) regarding this sentence.

First of all, I would like to state that we absolutely do not accept this decision against me. We will make all necessary legal appeals within the time limit and with determination. Considering the joint assessment of our legal team and the file as a whole, our expectation and belief is that an acquittal will ultimately be granted.

Regarding the issue of returning to duty, which the public is curious about, I would like to state that the fact that the court has decided to defer the announcement of the verdict does not constitute any obstacle to my return to duty under the current legal situation.

This is the most important consolation for us in the decision taken. We will continue our legal struggle with determination in the coming process.

Our greatest expectation and motivation is, God willing, to return to our post as soon as possible and continue serving Esenyurt from where we left off.

Respectfully announced to the public."

News Source: 12punto