New Details Emerge in Investigation into Ahmet Özer’s PKK Ties
Following his arrest on charges of “membership in the PKK/KCK armed terrorist organization”, Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer is on the agenda with remarkable allegations and evidence. Özer’s connections with members of the terrorist organization and recordings of him asking for support from the PKK before the elections have entered the investigation file. Phone calls in which the mayor of Esenyurt requested support from PKK-linked figures ahead of the March 31 local elections have been presented as evidence.
Condolence Call in Records
One of the most striking pieces of evidence included in the investigation file is a phone call made by Özer to people linked to the PKK. According to the recordings, Ahmet Özer was suggested to convey condolences to Mehmet Kaya, who had two brothers in the PKK’s mountain cadre and another brother in prison for terrorism. Upon the condolence suggestion, Özer asked about Kaya’s importance in the party and said, “What is his importance for the party?” The person on the other end of the phone said Kaya’s family had strong ties to the PKK. Following this information, Özer called Kaya to express his condolences and ask for support for CHP.
Grounds for Özer’s Arrest
While Ahmet Özer was sent to Silivri Prison, the reason given for his arrest was “hierarchical connection to the organization”. Within the scope of the investigation, Özer’s wiretapped conversations over a two-month period were counted among important evidence. The court ruled for Özer’s arrest, noting the possibility of Özer fleeing or destroying evidence. Özer’s 694 phone calls with members of the terrorist organization and 14 conversations with Remzi Kartal, one of the PKK’s leaders in Europe, formed the basis of the allegations.
“Precious Sons” Testimony with Mehmet Kaya
In the wiretap recordings, Ahmet Özer, in a conversation with Mehmet Kaya, expressed his condolences to Kaya’s brothers who were members of the terrorist organization, using the term “precious sons”. The conversation between the two went as follows:
Ahmet Özer: My condolences Mehmet.
Mehmet Kaya: Thank you, teacher, I honor you.
Ahmet Özer: Our mother passed away.
Mehmet Kaya: God bless you, thank you hodja.
Ahmet Özer: She was a very dear mother of ours.
Mehmet Kaya: Thank you, hodja.
Ahmet Özer: She raised valuable sons like you.
This dialog was added to the investigation file as an important piece of evidence.
Claimed he did not remember the visit
Ahmet Özer’s visit to the terrorist-affiliated MEBYA-DER association in Van on December 15, 2023 was also part of the investigation. Özer claimed that he did not remember this visit and said, “I don’t remember whether I went there or not.” Regarding the documents seized from his office, he defended himself by saying, “Hundreds of people enter and exit my office, I don’t know which document arrived when.”
Alleged Election Donations
The investigation also examined Özer’s bank account transactions. On March 29, $40,000 was found to have been transferred to his account, which he defended as “election donations”. In addition, 482,750 liras sent from his account to names linked to terrorism are also under investigation. Özer claimed that these payments were part of election expenses.
Meetings with PKK Ringleader
Ahmet Özer was also asked about his meetings with Remzi Kartal, one of the PKK’s fugitive leaders in Europe. “Remzi Kartal is a fellow countryman from the same tribe. I have no ideological or political ties with him.” Özer admitted that they had contacts in the past because they were from Van, but denied any connection to the terrorist organization.
Deputy Mayor Appointment
Following the arrest of Ahmet Özer, the Ministry of Interior temporarily appointed Istanbul Deputy Governor Can Aksoy as Mayor of Esenyurt Municipality. The reshuffle was carried out quickly to avoid any disruption in the functioning of Esenyurt Municipality.
Terror Propaganda Concert
The slogans chanted in favor of terrorist leader Abdullah Öcalan during Rojda Şenses’ concert at a festival organized by Esenyurt Municipality is another important topic of the investigation. Özer denied responsibility, saying, “I did not invite her, the officials arranged it.” However, footage of him hugging the artist during the concert and saying, “That’s a great voice,” supports the allegations.