03.11.2026 14:00
The acquittal verdict in the case against Cihan Demirel, who alleged that irregularities were committed in maintenance, repair, and tender processes during the period he worked as an engine mechanic at the Sarıgazi İETT Garage, became final on appeal. Demirel, who said he submitted approximately 7,000 documents to the court, stated that he would file a lawsuit for material and moral compensation, claiming that he was threatened and offered a bribe.
The acquittal verdict in the case brought against Cihan Demirel, who brought to public attention the allegations of irregularities in maintenance, repair and tender processes at İETT garages, became final with the decision of the court of appeal. Stating that he submitted approximately 7,000 documents and pieces of evidence during the trial, Demirel claimed that he was threatened during the process and that he was offered a bribe. Demirel announced that he would file a lawsuit for pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages, citing the posts made about him and what he experienced.
HE BROUGHT HIS ALLEGATIONS TO COURT WITH DOCUMENTS
Cihan Demirel, who claimed that irregularities occurred in maintenance, repair and tender processes while he worked as an engine mechanic at Sarıgazi İETT Garage, shared his allegations on his social media accounts and filed complaints with official authorities. Following his posts, Demirel, against whom Ulaşım İç ve Dış Ticaret A.Ş. filed a complaint, was acquitted in the case tried at Istanbul Anadolu 40th Criminal Court of First Instance. The company's attorney's appeal against the verdict was rejected on the merits by the Istanbul Regional Court of Appeal 32nd Criminal Chamber.
Stating that he submitted many documents to the court during the trial, Demirel said, "I brought the allegations of irregularities concerning maintenance and repair work at İETT garages to the official authorities. I submitted to the court photographs, videos and correspondence related to the parts used in the garages, maintenance procedures and vehicle inspections. I have approximately 7,000 pieces of evidence. At the appeal stage, the opposing party's objections were also rejected and my acquittal became final."
CLAIM OF THREATS AND A BRIBE OFFER
Stating that he experienced financial difficulties during the process, Demirel claimed that he was threatened to withdraw his allegations and that he was offered a bribe. Stating that he had messages and conversation records related to these, Demirel said, "I was not intimidated by any threat; I stood behind my case to the end. I am ready to testify whenever the official authorities of the state summon me."
Also addressing his colleagues working at the garages, Demirel argued that employees should not remain silent in the face of pressure and workplace bullying. Demirel, who called for an investigation into the irregularities he claimed occurred in maintenance and repair processes, drew attention to the importance of the correct use of public resources.
NOW HE WILL ALSO FILE A DAMAGES LAWSUIT
In addition to the previous statements and posts made about him, Cihan Demirel also touched on what he experienced during the process and stated that he would file a lawsuit for pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages. Demirel stated that he would resort to legal remedies regarding the posts made about him and the damages he believed he had suffered, and said that after the process that ended with an acquittal, he would continue his legal struggle this time with a damages lawsuit.