03.09.2026 14:40
In the case against Ekrem Imamoglu for a criminal organization for profit, detained defendants Fatos Ayik, Bugra Gokce, and Ramazan Gulten requested release, stating that they were not members of the organization and acted as required by their duties.
Requests from detained defendants and their lawyers for release in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) case have been received. In the hearing, Fatoş Ayık, the detained defendant and Purchasing Manager of Media Inc., who made a statement regarding her release, said, "I have never been a member of an organization, I have never been aware of the existence of the alleged organization," while Buğra Gökce, the Head of the Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA), used the expressions, "I signed what was required by my public duty." Ayık, Gökce, and Gülten requested release, stating they were not members of an organization.
THEY REQUESTED RELEASE
The second hearing of the 'Ekrem Imamoğlu Criminal Organization for Profit' case, filed within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, continued on its 11th day.
At the hearing, the process of taking release requests from detained defendants and their lawyers continued. In the indictment regarding Fatoş Ayık, the detained defendant and Purchasing Manager of Media Inc., who made a statement about her release at the hearing, it was stated that she acted together with Emrah Bağdatlı, took an active role in tender processes, carried out irregular tender processes in line with the instructions she received from organization leader Murat Ongun and Bağdatlı, and issued invoices contrary to the facts on behalf of the institution.
"I AM NOT AWARE OF THE EXISTENCE OF THE ALLEGED ORGANIZATION"
Ayık said at the hearing, "In the institution where I have worked for 15 years, my aim has always been to do my job properly, to improve business processes for the public good, and to deserve the salary I earn. I have never been a member of an organization, I have never been aware of the existence of the alleged organization, and I have not engaged in organizational activities. Within the scope of my duties, authorities, and responsibilities, I have not committed any act that is unlawful, irregular, could harm a person or institution, or could provide unjust benefit to me or someone else. I did not act with such an intent or purpose. There is no crime that I was involved in or aware of. I would like to request my release from your honorable court."
Regarding another detained defendant, Buğra Gökce, the Head of the Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA), the indictment recorded that he took part in some unlawful tenders in subsidiary companies concerning outdoor advertising platforms, events, and organizations.
"I SIGNED WHAT WAS REQUIRED BY MY PUBLIC DUTY"
In his statement regarding his release, Gökce said, "How have I served an organization? Which organization did I serve? I did not earn material money. I did not obtain a position; I came as someone who had served as secretary-general and served as deputy secretary-general. I strongly reject all the actions they are trying to claim I signed on behalf of the organization. I signed what was required by my public duty. There is no one making an accusation related to my name regarding the events. I have committed no crime. Until this point in my life, I have never been involved in the slightest crime; I have led an exemplary life. I ask for justice from you. I have no other request."
Regarding another detained defendant, Ramazan Gülten, the Head of the IBB Department of Urban Development and City Planning, whose statement on release was asked, the indictment's assessment stated that he prolonged licensing processes under the guise of silhouette compliance reports and, in this context, demanded money from applicants on behalf of the organization.
"I WORKED TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF THE CITY"
Gülten said at the hearing, "No direct statement or concrete action has been presented showing that I demanded benefits. No concrete action, instruction relationship, or organizational connection demonstrating that I acted within a criminal organization has been established. The matters cited as the basis for the charge of membership in an organization against me consist solely of the works and transactions required by my public duty, which I carried out as zoning director for 5 years and as head of the zoning and urban development department for 1 year, along with professional contacts. Throughout my professional life, I worked to implement zoning legislation, combat illegal and unlawful construction, and protect the rights of the city and the public. I frequently encountered reactions from people who did not prepare their projects in accordance with the legislation, did not fulfill their obligations, or could not obtain the development rights they wanted. Nevertheless, while performing my duty, I looked at what the legislation said, not at who the people were. No concrete action has been presented showing that I gained personal benefit, acted with the aim of providing benefit to someone else, received an unlawful instruction, or made a personal intervention that could constitute a crime. At this stage, I believe that the continuation of my detention is neither necessary nor proportionate. I request my release," he stated.