03.04.2026 12:00
Hasbi Dede, the suspended Mayor of Görele accused of harassment by 16-year-old Tuana Torun, who lost her life in a traffic accident, broke his silence. In a statement regarding the accident, Dede said, "I have no legal, actual, commercial, or administrative connection with this tragic accident, the suspect involved in the accident, or the establishment where the incident occurred. All allegations against me are unfounded and have no basis in reality."
On March 28 in Giresun, Tuana Elif Torun (16) lost her life as a result of a car driven by Adem Hasbaş heading towards Trabzon. The driver, Adem Hasbaş, who fled the scene after the accident, was caught and detained by police teams and has been arrested. Hasbi Dede, the Mayor of Görele, who was suspended from duty due to allegations of harassment by Torun, broke his silence regarding the claims that arose after the accident.
"I HAVE NO CONNECTION, THE ALLEGATIONS ARE BASELESS"
Dede stated in his explanation that he has no connection with the person who caused the accident or the business where the incident occurred:
“First of all, I wish God's mercy upon Tuana Torun, who lost her life in a tragic accident in our district, and I extend my condolences to her grieving family and all her loved ones. I share their pain with my deepest feelings.
While this great sorrow is still very fresh, I am sadly following a deliberate and unjust perception operation targeting me. It is disrespectful to both justice and the sacred memory of the deceased to try to associate me with this incident for political or populist purposes through the loss of a young life, as reported in some news outlets and social media accounts.
Due to the unbearable level of baseless slander, false statements, insults, threats, and comments targeting me and my family regarding the accident that caused Tuana's death and the ongoing allegations, I felt the need to make this statement to prevent misinformation.
I want the public to know that I have no legal, actual, commercial, or administrative connection with this tragic accident, the suspect involved in the accident, or the business where the incident occurred. All accusations against me are baseless and have no connection to the truth. I firmly believe that these allegations directed at me will be proven false in the independent Turkish judiciary and that my innocence will be established.
"I WILL CONTINUE MY STRUGGLE PATIENTLY UNTIL THE DAY JUSTICE IS SERVED"
On the other hand, it is not legally appropriate for me to make a detailed statement regarding the content of the ongoing trial. However, it should be known that the statements and testimonies of all parties in the case - primarily the statements of the late Tuana recorded on camera with the assistance of a psychologist - have been documented in the court hearing on March 12, 2026.
I will continue my legal struggle patiently and steadfastly until the day justice is served. My only aim is to bring the truth to light and to clear the stain that has been attempted to be placed upon me.
In this context, I declare that I reserve all my legal rights regarding any comments, statements, and shares that target my personal rights and reputation, which are contrary to the truth; and I respectfully present my belief in the rule of law and that justice will be served to the public."
INTERESTING CONNECTION IS UNDER INVESTIGATION
Investigations revealed that Adem Hasbaş worked at a restaurant in Görele owned by Hasbi Dede's former brother-in-law. Law enforcement agencies are meticulously examining the relationship between the accident and this connection.
HE WAS RELEASED AT THE FIRST HEARING
Hasbi Dede, the Mayor of Görele, was summoned for questioning on February 8 as part of an investigation initiated due to his correspondence with Tuana Elif Torun on social media. After his statement, Dede was referred to the Duty Magistrate's Court with a request for arrest, where he was released under judicial control with a travel ban. Following the prosecutor's appeal, Dede was called back to the courthouse for questioning on February 10, where he was arrested on charges of 'sexual harassment using electronic communication tools against a child.' Dede, who was suspended from his position by the Ministry of Interior, faced a lawsuit at the Görele 1st Criminal Court of First Instance, with a prison sentence of 6 months to 3 years sought against him. Dede was released under judicial control at the first hearing of the case.