Legal Proceedings Continue for Istanbul Municipal Officials

Court Session at Silivri

The legal proceedings involving 414 individuals, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) leadership, have entered their 75th day. The session is being held at a specialized facility within the Marmara Prison complex, overseen by the 33rd High Criminal Court of Istanbul.

Current deliberations focus on the release requests of 13 detained individuals. This group includes high-ranking municipal officials and department heads. Following the presentation of these arguments, the judicial panel is expected to deliberate on the status of the detainees.

Testimonies and Defense Arguments

During the proceedings, defendants addressed the court regarding the allegations against them. Fatoş Ayık, a procurement manager, stated that her financial records show no irregularities and emphasized that she has maintained a modest lifestyle throughout her career. She argued that the procurement processes in question were standard practices that predated the current administration.

Other defense representatives highlighted that the administrative procedures under scrutiny were consistent with methods utilized by previous municipal administrations. Counsel for the defendants noted that individuals who previously held similar roles and utilized identical bureaucratic processes have not faced comparable legal challenges, with some currently serving in various government capacities.

Bureaucratic Accountability and Personal Impact

Buğra Gökce, head of the Istanbul Planning Agency, addressed the court to contest the characterization of his official duties as criminal acts. He asserted that signing municipal council decisions is a routine administrative function performed by bureaucrats nationwide. Gökce emphasized his request for a fair judicial assessment rather than leniency, noting the personal and professional toll of his prolonged detention.

Ramazan Gülten, the municipal zoning director, also spoke regarding his situation. He pointed out that zoning plan approvals fall under the jurisdiction of the municipal assembly rather than individual directors. Gülten expressed his desire to reunite with his family, specifically mentioning his daughter who was born during his period of incarceration.

Procedural Developments

During the session, legal counsel for the defendants reported that a separate investigation has been initiated against them regarding alleged remarks made toward the court. The attorneys indicated they would provide statements to authorities regarding this matter in the coming days. The court continued to hear arguments from the remaining defendants and their legal representatives as the session progressed.