25.08.2026 22:21
Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeydan Karalar, who was sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison within the scope of the Aziz İhsan Aktaş investigation and suspended from duty, broke his silence after the decision. Karalar, who did not accept the accusations against him, reacted to the conviction decision, arguing that the statements in the file contradict each other. Karalar emphasized that the decision is not final, noting that the appeals and Supreme Court processes have not yet been completed.
Adana Metropolitan Mayor Zeydan Karalar, who was suspended from duty and sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison for "accepting bribes" within the scope of the Aziz İhsan Aktaş investigation, made a statement following the verdict. Karalar, who rejected the accusations against him, argued that there was no statement by Aziz İhsan Aktaş regarding him in the file and claimed that the verdict was based on contradictory statements and assumptions.
"WE HAVE ALWAYS SPOKEN WITH EVIDENCE"
In his statement after the verdict, Karalar stated that he had always spoken only based on the evidence in the file, believing in the law.
"We have always spoken with evidence and wanted to believe in the law. Just as we never did anything wrong, despite the injustice we suffered, we only told our case," said Karalar, adding that they now face a decision he considers legally and conscience-wise controversial.
"THERE IS NO STATEMENT FROM AKTAŞ"
Karalar, arguing that the allegation against him is not based on the statements of Aziz İhsan Aktaş, drew attention to the testimonies of a person named Baki Nugay in the file.
Karalar claimed that Nugay, approximately 6 months after being imprisoned and following Aktaş's release under effective remorse provisions, made accusatory statements about him regarding events from about 10 years ago, with the aim of being released himself.
Stating that Nugay has contradictory statements in the file, Karalar argued that the allegations do not align with official documents.
"HE REGULARLY RECEIVED HIS RECEIVABLES"
Karalar stated that the basis of the allegation against him is Nugay's statement, "I couldn't collect my receivables, so I was forced to give money."
However, Karalar noted that official documents show payments were made regularly and completely during the relevant period, and this situation is also included in the indictment.
Karalar argued that afterward, the reason for giving money was changed to "to obtain and continue obtaining tenders," but such a tender relationship does not exist either.
"A VERDICT WAS GIVEN BASED ON AN EVENT NOT IN THE FILE"
Karalar criticized the conviction being based on statements he claims are contradictory.
"This verdict does not fit either the law or conscience," said Karalar, stating that a serious decision directly affecting personal liberty and reputation cannot be based on contradictory statements, assumptions, or the acceptance of an event not present in the file.
"THE VERDICT IS NOT FINAL"
Karalar also drew attention to the fact that the judicial process has not yet been completed. He noted that there are first appeal and then Supreme Court stages, emphasizing that the verdict is not final.
Karalar said, "I still want to believe that we will achieve justice sooner or later."
THANKED FOR SUPPORT MESSAGES
Karalar thanked the thousands of people who called and sent messages after the verdict, asking for understanding as he could not respond to everyone in a short time.
Karalar also thanked those who did not leave him alone in Silivri and the people of Adana, concluding his statement with messages of gratitude to his supporters.