04.04.2025 00:30
In the investigation into 'terror' related to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), the lawyer of İBB Deputy Secretary General Mahir Polat, Erkam Erdem, stated, "Mahir Polat's discharge from the hospital does not indicate that his health has stabilized. His hypertension continues, which is still damaging his brain, kidneys, and especially his heart, and the risk of heart attack and stroke remains constant."
Mahmoud Polat, the Deputy Secretary General of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), who was transferred from Silivri Prison to the hospital for an angiography and sent back to prison after being discharged, has had his lawyer Erkam Erdem announce that his client's health risks continue.
"MAHIR HAS TWO SIGNIFICANT HEALTH ISSUES; HYPERTENSION AND BLOCKAGES IN THE HEART VESSELS"
Lawyer Erdem stated on his social media account that Polat's blood pressure has risen to a life-threatening level and that he is at risk concerning his heart, brain, and kidneys due to hypertension. Erdem's statement regarding the matter is as follows: "Last night, I visited my client Mahir Polat. I would like to provide information about his current situation: First of all, he expressed that he feels honored due to the support he has received from people from all walks of life since the day he was arrested and throughout the hospital processes, stating that this situation has been a great source of morale for him. As you know, we presented reports regarding Mahir Bey's health issues during the expression and interrogation phases and requested judicial control to be applied due to his health condition, although we noted that the conditions for detention were not met; however, this was rejected. While Mahir has many health issues, there are two significant ones concerning prison conditions; hypertension and blockages in the heart vessels. He has undergone angiography four times due to these blockages and has six stents. Two of his arteries are also being monitored.
"IT SERIOUSLY RAISES THE RISK OF HEART ATTACK AND BRAIN HEMORRHAGE"
[According to the information I received from doctors] Hypertension causes permanent damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys. It seriously raises the risk of heart attack and brain hemorrhage. Last week, Mahir was transferred to nearby hospitals twice due to high blood pressure, first on 18/12 and then on 24/11 (at a life-threatening level) because the prison hospital was inadequate. During his second visit to Mehmet Akif Ersoy Hospital, angiography was performed this time. Mahir's blood pressure was only lowered by administering nitrates intravenously. Angiography was performed, and the existing blocked vessels and stents were checked. There are two significant findings from the angiography concerning prison conditions: slow flow and plaque formation in the capillaries. After being monitored in the intensive care unit, he was discharged with additional medications added to those he was already taking.
"MAHIR CONTINUES TO TAKE THESE ADDITIONAL MEDICATIONS, BUT HYPERTENSION PERSISTS"
Mahir is currently continuing to take these additional medications given to him in prison, but hypertension persists. Blood pressure measurements are taken every morning and evening. Yesterday, he had to take a sublingual tablet to lower his high blood pressure and rest. After being discharged from the hospital, his blood pressure rose to a level that would require him to be hospitalized again; however, due to the difficulties in being transferred from prison to the hospital (the journey taking at least 1 hour, being transported in handcuffs and in a closed vehicle), he stated that he would not request a transfer unless it was unbearable. His only expectation right now is to be transferred to a fully equipped hospital on Monday to obtain a report confirming that his health condition is not suitable for prison.
"MAHIR POLAT'S DISCHARGE FROM THE HOSPITAL DOES NOT INDICATE THAT HIS HEALTH HAS STABILIZED"
In summary; Mahir Polat's discharge from the hospital does not indicate that his health has stabilized. Hypertension persists, and this blood pressure continues to harm his brain, kidneys, and especially his heart, and the risk of heart attack and brain hemorrhage is constant. Our hope and expectation is that this process will be completed without having lasting effects on Mahir Bey's health, and that our request for his transfer to a fully equipped hospital, which was accepted by the Prosecutor's Office last week, will be met as soon as possible, leading to Mahir Bey's release.