Mahir Polat House Arrest Lifted

The judicial restrictions on Mahir Polat, the Deputy Secretary General of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), have been eased. Following a year of strict supervision, the court has officially lifted his house arrest (home detention) order as of March 17, 2026.

Polat, who was caught in the “Kent Uzlaşısı” (Urban Consensus) investigation, will now be subject to less restrictive judicial control measures, such as a ban on traveling abroad.

Timeline of Mahir Polat’s Legal Process

The case against Polat has been closely followed due to his critical role in İBB’s cultural heritage projects and his deteriorating health while in custody.

• March 23, 2025: Polat was arrested and sent to Marmara (Silivri) Prison as part of an investigation into allegations of “aiding a terrorist organization” related to the 2024 local election strategies.

• March – April 2025: During his 17-day imprisonment, Mahir Polat was hospitalized multiple times for resistant hypertension and underwent an angioplasty. His legal team argued that prison conditions posed a “life-threatening risk.”

• April 9, 2025: Following a medical report from the Forensic Medicine Institute (ATK), Polat was released from prison and placed under house arrest.

• March 17, 2026: After nearly a year of home confinement, the 5th High Criminal Court ruled to lift the house arrest.

Mahir Polat’s Health Struggles and Medical Intervention

Polat’s health was a central factor in his release from prison. Even while under house arrest, he required specialized medical care:

• Chronic Issues: He suffered from severe cardiovascular problems and fluctuating high blood pressure.

• Hospitalization: In mid-2025, he was admitted to Şişli Memorial Hospital under the care of renowned cardiologist Prof. Dr. Bingür Sönmez for advanced treatment.

The “Urban Consensus” Slanter: Broader Context

The investigation that led to Polat’s arrest also targeted other figures associated with the “Urban Consensus” political strategy:

• Resul Emrah Şahan: The Mayor of Şişli (whose duties were temporarily handled by a trustee) was also arrested in March 2025. His release from prison was ordered in February 2026, though legal proceedings continue.

• Nature of the Case: The prosecution alleges that the political cooperation between the CHP and the DEM Party during the 2024 elections involved illegal coordination. The CHP has consistently labeled the case as a “political operation” aimed at the İBB administration.

What Happens Next?

Although the house arrest has been lifted, the “Urban Consensus” trial is still ongoing. Polat is expected to make a public statement once the administrative procedures with the Probation Directorate are finalized. He remains free pending trial but is still subject to a foreign travel ban.