Istanbul Mayor Accused of Terrorist Affiliation!
Ahmet Özer, CHP mayor of Esenyurt in Istanbul, was detained on charges of membership in the PKK/KCK terrorist organization. Özer was detained in an operation carried out by the Anti-Terror Branch of Istanbul Security Directorate, and it was stated that there was a lot of evidence of his relationship with the organization. The investigations revealed that Özer had been in contact with PKK members for many years. The prosecutor’s office found that Özer was in contact with members of the organization and had regular meetings with its executives.
According to the findings, Özer had 694 meetings with PKK members in the last 10 years and had contacted Kongra-gel co-chair Remzi Kartal, who is wanted under a red notice, 14 times. Following this development, an extensive search was conducted at Özer’s home and office upon the request of the chief prosecutor’s office.
Details of the Investigation
In the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office Terror and Organized Crimes Investigation Bureau, Özer’s connection to PKK/KCK members was identified. The prosecutor’s office examined the records obtained by monitoring the communication traffic of members of the organization and found evidence of Özer’s connection to the organization’s executives. In addition, it was alleged that Özer was in constant contact with the organization in recent years, attended some meetings and received instructions from the organization’s executives during this process.
The investigation also examined allegations that Özer had met with the organization’s executives in Northern Iraq and played an active role in the organization’s projects. According to the allegations, Özer was assigned to take part in activities such as the organization’s so-called “democratic autonomy project”. In the light of this information, the allegations that Özer had established a close relationship with the organization for the purpose of committing crimes strengthened.
Searches Completed
Upon the request of the prosecutor’s office, Özer’s office room at the municipality, his house and his vehicle were searched by police teams. During the search, riot police teams took security measures around the municipality building and the street was closed to traffic. It is reported that the details of the documents and digital data obtained as a result of the searches will be examined. As the search operations ended, police officers continued to take security measures around the building.
Statement by Minister of Justice Tunç
Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç made evaluations on the detention process and stated that the investigation has been carried to the judicial process and the outcome should be awaited. “I think the judiciary will make the right decision. Let’s trust the judiciary and wait for the outcome of the process,” Minister Tunç said, emphasizing that the legal process should be respected.
While the detention and the scope of the investigation had a wide repercussion in the public opinion, Esenyurt Municipality was in an uproar following the detention of the mayor. Citizens are eagerly waiting for the outcome of the investigation.
