06.02.2026 00:36
Aziz İhsan Aktaş, in the investigation of the criminal organization, Zeydan Karalar, who was granted release by the court, made his first statement after being released from prison. Karalar said, "I was expecting a release decision in this hearing. This is a provisional decision; they will make a final decision on the 20th. From there, I believe we are expecting releases, it seems likely."
Aziz İhsan Aktaş is on trial in a case involving 200 defendants, including 33 who are in custody, among whom are 7 mayors who have been suspended from their duties.
RELEASE DECISIONS IN THE AZIZ IHSAN AKTAŞ CASE
In the hearing held in the hall opposite the Marmara Closed Penitentiary Institution by the Istanbul 1st Heavy Criminal Court, the public prosecutor requested the release of 3 individuals while requesting the continuation of the detention of 30 defendants. The court panel allowed the defendants' lawyers to speak regarding their clients' detention.
The lawyers of the detained defendants stated that their clients have been in custody for a long time and that the evidence against them has been collected. The defendants' lawyers requested their release, considering the time their clients have spent in detention.
ZEYDAN KARALAR AND 9 OTHERS RELEASED
The court panel decided to release Zeydan Karalar, the Mayor of Adana Metropolitan Municipality who was suspended from his duty after his arrest, along with Ali Fırat Baycan, Cem Alper Akyüz, İbrahim Koçyiğit, İbrahim Halil Çalış, Mehmet Ataş, Mert Çelik, Müzeyyen Karakaş, and Oktay Aktaş.
The panel ruled for the continuation of the detention of the other 24 defendants. The hearing was adjourned to Monday, February 9.
FIRST STATEMENT FROM KARALAR
After the release decision, Zeydan Karalar made his first statement upon leaving prison. Speaking to reporters, Karalar said: "I want to send my regards to the mayors I left there. I want to convey my love and respect to all my friends. Leaving them there and coming out is truly a bittersweet joy, but it is how it is. I believe they will regain their freedom as soon as possible. Because I have watched and listened to all the hearings.
To my provincial chairman who did not leave us alone, our party leader Mr. Özgür Özel, our MYK members, and the deputies and vice presidents of other political parties, they never left us alone during this process. I want to thank each of them individually.
I was expecting a release decision in this hearing. This is a provisional decision; they will make a final decision on the 20th. From there, I believe we are expecting releases, it seems likely."
RETURNING TO ADANA IMMEDIATELY
In response to a reporter's question, "Will you return to Adana?" Karalar stated that he would go to the city immediately. Initially, he mentioned that he thought of staying in Silivri tonight and returning tomorrow, but he expressed that he was informed that 10,000 people were waiting for him in front of the municipality and said, "Not returning immediately would be disrespectful to them."