24.08.2026 17:41
Avcılar Mayor Utku Caner Çaykara, who was released on August 6 in the Aziz İhsan Aktaş criminal organization case after being detained for approximately 14 months, appeared before the judge at the verdict hearing. Çaykara, who faced 4 to 12 years in prison on charges of 'fraud in public tenders' and 'accepting bribes,' was acquitted of all charges.
A decision has been reached regarding Avcılar Mayor Utku Caner Çaykara, who was tried in the Aziz İhsan Aktaş Criminal Organization case. Çaykara, who was tried with a request for a prison sentence of 4 to 12 years, was acquitted of all charges brought against him.
VERDICTS ANNOUNCED IN THE CASE WITH 200 DEFENDANTS
The trial, filed on the allegation that tender processes were organized by bribing mayors and that the "criminal organization" was led by Aziz İhsan Aktaş, has reached the verdict stage. In the case heard at the Istanbul 1st Heavy Penal Court, 200 defendants, including 7 mayors, were being tried.
REMAINED IN DETENTION FOR APPROXIMATELY 14 MONTHS
Çaykara, who was arrested within the scope of the case, remained in prison for approximately 14 months starting from June 4, 2025. The court decided to release Çaykara during its detention review on August 6, 2026. The release decision was made based on assessments regarding the time spent in detention and his health condition, and a judicial control measure of a ban on traveling abroad was imposed on him.
ATTENDED THE HEARING WITHOUT DETENTION ON THE VERDICT DAY
Çaykara, who was tried without detention after his release and remains suspended from his duties, said before the verdict hearing on August 24 that he believed he would be acquitted. Approximately two weeks after his release on August 6, Çaykara appeared before the judge again for the decision.
ACQUITTED OF ALL CHARGES
The court panel acquitted Çaykara on all charges directed against him. Thus, the case against Çaykara, who was tried with a request for a prison sentence of 4 to 12 years, concluded with an acquittal.