Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer was sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison in the “city reconciliation” case. The Istanbul 14th Heavy Penal Court announced its decision in the case against Özer on charges of “membership in an armed terrorist organization.” Özer denied the charges in his defense and said his political activities had been criminalized. The ruling drew reactions from CHP Chairman Özgür Özel and MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli. Özer’s lawyers announced they would appeal the decision.
January 23, 2026
BBC Turkish