Arrest Warrant Against Esenyurt Deputy Mayor Osman Yalçın
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant against Esenyurt Deputy Mayor Osman Yalçın on charges of “financing terrorism”. The investigation deepened following allegations that Yalçın was linked to the shut-down Jiyan TV and that he had been assigned to the municipality in line with the instructions of the terrorist organization PKK.
Details of the Investigation
In the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office Terror Crimes Investigation Bureau, Osman Yalçın, who served as deputy mayor of Esenyurt Municipality during Ahmet Özer’s term, was allegedly linked to the PKK. Yalçın, who was found to be especially connected to the shut-down Jiyan TV, came to the agenda with allegations that he was assigned as part of the organization’s attempts to infiltrate municipalities.
Operation and Seized Materials
Istanbul Security Directorate Anti-Terror Branch teams organized operations in Esenyurt and Beylikdüzü within the scope of the investigation. Cell phones and various digital materials were seized during searches at the suspect’s house. However, efforts are ongoing to apprehend Osman Yalçın, who remains at large.
Yalçın’s Tasks and Connections
It is learned that Osman Yalçın served as the deputy mayor of Esenyurt Municipality under Ahmet Özer, responsible for the Directorate of Public Works, Directorate of Parks and Gardens, Directorate of License and Inspection and Directorate of Police. It is also learned that Yalçın is currently a member of Esenyurt Municipality Assembly.
Within the scope of the investigation, it is claimed that Yalçın was placed in the municipality within the framework of a plan called “Urban Consensus” upon the instruction of Duran Kalkan, one of the ringleaders of the terrorist organization. This instruction aimed to infiltrate members of the organization into municipalities.
Determination in the Fight against Terrorism
Istanbul Security Directorate teams continue to deepen the investigation into terrorism-related allegations. It is reported that operations are ongoing to capture Osman Yalçın, who is on the run. It is learned that Yalçın’s possible connections are being investigated and digital materials are under investigation.
Security Measures at Municipalities
This incident has once again brought to the fore the security gaps in public institutions and the measures to be taken against infiltration attempts against municipalities. It is emphasized that such allegations, especially in metropolitan municipalities, should be addressed with more comprehensive audits.
