Esenyurt Mayor Released in One Case, Remains Jailed for Corruption
Ahmet Özer
Esenyurt Mayor Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özer has been released under judicial control in the “Urban Consensus” case following a court hearing, but will remain in prison due to separate corruption charges in another ongoing investigation. The court’s decision has reignited debate over the continuation of the trustee (kayyum) appointment to the municipality.
Özer was detained on October 30, 2024, and formally arrested on November 4, 2024, shortly after his election victory under the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in the March 31, 2024 local elections. Multiple investigations were launched against him post-election, leading to several open cases.
Court Grants Conditional Release, But Detention Stays
In the second hearing of the “Kent Uzlaşısı” trial held at Silivri Courthouse, the panel of judges ordered Özer’s release under judicial supervision, effectively lifting his detention in that specific case. However, due to ongoing pretrial detention in a separate corruption-related case, he will not be released from prison.
Whether or not his pretrial arrest in the corruption case will continue will be decided in upcoming hearings, according to legal sources.
Trustee Rule to Continue in Municipality
Despite the release order, Prof. Dr. Özer has not been acquitted in the Urban Consensus case, and his detention for corruption allegations remains active. As a result, the trustee appointed to oversee the Esenyurt Municipality will remain in place for the time being, according to officials.
The case has stirred political and legal debate, with questions raised about the scope of mayoral removals, judicial impartiality, and the increasing use of trustee governance in local administrations.