17.12.2025 17:11
Buğra Gökce, who is detained in the İBB case, recounted that he encountered Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the former Editor-in-Chief of Habertürk, in Silivri Prison. Gökce stated that Ersoy appeared to be in low spirits and "in shock."
The President of the Istanbul Planning Agency, Buğra Gökce, who is detained in the İBB case, described the events that took place during his meeting with former Habertürk Editor-in-Chief Mehmet Akif Ersoy at Silivri Prison. Gökce stated that Ersoy appeared to be in "shock" and expressed that the moments experienced were quite difficult for everyone.
STRIKING ENCOUNTER AT SILIVRI PRISON
Buğra Gökce, who is detained in the İBB case, recounted his encounter with former Habertürk Editor-in-Chief Mehmet Akif Ersoy, who was arrested following a drug investigation, during his lawyer meetings at Silivri Prison. Gökce noted that Ersoy's state of mind was striking, saying, "He seemed to be in shock."
"I ASKED ABOUT HIS HEALTH AND MORALE"
Gökce mentioned that he went for a lawyer meeting on Saturday and stayed in the meeting room for a long time, stating that different detainees were brought to the adjacent rooms. He described how he greeted Mehmet Akif Ersoy during this time, saying, "I conveyed my wishes for his recovery. I asked about his health and morale. He could only say, 'I guess I will be fine.'
TEARS OF THE LAWYER CREATED EMOTIONAL MOMENTS
Gökce noted that Ersoy embraced his lawyer who came for the meeting, and the lawyer's crying made the atmosphere even more emotional, stating, "When the lady lawyer cried, we were all affected. It was a tough moment for everyone, including Mehmet Akif Bey. The first days of entry are really devastating."
CONTACT BAN IN PRISON AND 'CODE'
Touching on the visiting regulations in the prison, Gökce emphasized that it is prohibited for detainees and convicts to touch each other, and that the officials take strict measures in this regard. Despite this, Gökce pointed out that a human solidarity has formed in the prison environment, saying, "Even if you don't know or like each other, you greet and ask about each other's well-being like fate companions. The code here is a bit like this."
AYSEVER, MERDAN YANARDAĞ, AND ALTAYLI DETAIL
Gökce mentioned that he greeted journalist Enver Aysever during the meetings, stating that Aysever's health condition is good. He described Merdan Yanardağ as "resilient and strong." Gökce also recounted that he encountered Fatih Altaylı during the afternoon meeting, noting that they encouraged each other.
"SILIVRI HAS ALMOST TURNED INTO A CAMPUS"
Gökce highlighted the presence of many individuals from various professions, including journalists, academics, and mayors, in Silivri Prison, stating that the prison has "transformed into a campus that will go down in history." Emphasizing that non-custodial trials should be the norm, Gökce stated that the current practices hinder both individuals' rights and the community's access to services.