13.05.2026 17:40
Tension rose in the courthouse corridor after the hearing of the Aynalı Köşk case belonging to Kars Municipality. As a harsh argument broke out between CHP Kars Deputy İnan Akgün Alp and the defendant former Deputy Director of Legal Affairs Orhan Arslan, Alp's words, 'Will you steal Kars' property and walk in front of my eyes?' drew attention.
Tense moments were experienced during the second hearing of the lawsuit regarding the sale of the historical Aynalı Köşk, owned by the Kars Municipality, below its value through foreclosure. After the hearing, an argument broke out in the courthouse corridor between CHP Kars Deputy İnan Akgün Alp and the defendant, former Acting Director of Legal Affairs, Orhan Arslan.
CHP Kars Deputy İnan Akgün Alp filed a criminal complaint against public officials he claimed were negligent in the 2018 sale of Aynalı Köşk to a cleaning company as collateral for debt, at a price below its value, for 1,832,486 lira and 45 kuruş. When the Ministry of Interior did not grant permission for an investigation, Alp appealed the decision to the Council of State. The 1st Chamber of the Council of State found the objection justified and overturned the decision. Following the investigation, a case was filed against Murtaza Karaçanta and the former Director of Legal Affairs, Orhan Arslan, on charges of 'Misconduct in office.'
MURTAZA KARAÇANTA DID NOT ATTEND THE HEARING
CHP Deputy İnan Akgün Alp and one of the defendants, Orhan Arslan, who is being tried without detention, attended the second hearing held today at the Kars Criminal Court of First Instance. Former Mayor Murtaza Karaçanta was not present at the hearing. Deputy İnan Akgün Alp argued that the defendants' actions constituted the crime of aggravated fraud. Alp stated that not only the former mayor and his employees, but also the individuals he claimed had fraudulently acquired Aynalı Köşk, should be tried.
FIERY ARGUMENT IN COURTHOUSE CORRIDOR
The court panel decided to hear the testimony of the municipality's former lawyer, S.D., as a witness and adjourned the hearing. An argument broke out between CHP Deputy Alp and defendant Orhan Arslan as they left the courtroom. During the argument, Alp reacted, saying, 'This is not a place where thieves will prevail, nor where Kars's property will be stolen. Get out. Who do you think you are? Who are you? Are you going to steal Kars's property and walk in front of me?'
Arslan was escorted away through his lawyer.