Indictment cites CHP mayor's novel, phone calls as alleged evidence of PKK membership

The indictment against Esenyurt's ousted Mayor Ahmet Özer from the main opposition CHP cited phone calls, his novel, and a photo in his office as evidence. The case linked him to a broader probe into CHP mayors, with authorities seeking up to 15 years in prison.

Saturday February 22 2025 08:16 pm

Furkan Karabay / Gazete Duvar

Prosecutors in Istanbul filed an indictment against Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer, who was arrested on charges of alleged membership in the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK-KCK), deemed a terrorist organization by Turkey, and replaced by a government-appointed trustee.

The indictment sought a prison sentence of seven years and six months to 15 years for Özer on charges of "membership in an armed terrorist organization."

Prosecutors claimed the Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK), founded on Oct. 15, 2011, was a continuation of the Democratic Society Congress (DTK).

Despite a past ruling stating that HDK was not an illegal organization, the indictment alleged the group operated under PKK directives.

The indictment also alleged that Özer was placed in office as Esenyurt mayor through the so-called "Urban Consensus" system, purportedly facilitating cooperation with the PKK.

The 83-page indictment addressed allegations against Özer after page 25. Prosecutors cited records from peace process negotiations with PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan on İmralı Island, where Özer’s name was mentioned in discussions with HDP politicians.

The meetings, which included intelligence and state officials, featured HDP politicians Pervin Buldan and Sırrı Süreyya Önder discussing the Kurdish issue and peace process with Öcalan. During the talks, Özer’s name was reportedly mentioned among academics whose expertise could contribute to the process.

Prosecutors also cited Özer’s phone conversations as evidence. A recorded call with an individual identified as M.K. revealed Özer offering condolences for the death of M.K.’s mother. The conversation was used as evidence because M.K.'s brother had a criminal record for terrorism-related offenses.

Özer’s visit to the headquarters of MEBYA/DER (an association for families who lost relatives in conflict zones) was also presented as evidence against him.

Additionally, Özer's four communications in 2015 with former Van lawmaker Remzi Kartal were included in the indictment. Özer responded, stating, "Remzi Kartal is from Van, he was a Van deputy, and we belong to the same tribal lineage. I had no contact with him after he left the country, nor do we share the same ideology or worldview. I only know his family in Van."

Phone conversations between Özer and author Bejan Matur were also cited as evidence.

A photo of Ali Rıza Arslan, who carried the remains of his son, Hakan Arslan, killed in clashes in Diyarbakır's Sur district seven years ago, was found in Özer's office and listed among the accusations.

The indictment also referenced Özer’s novel Dağ Sancısı (Mountain Pain), citing a fictional character as part of the allegations.

Prosecutors included testimony from Hicran Berna Ayverdi, a witness in a case involving former Diyarbakır Mayor Selçuk Mızraklı and 800 others. Ayverdi claimed Özer engaged in terrorist propaganda during academic seminars. Her testimony, based on hearsay, was also used as evidence.

The indictment quoted Ayverdi saying, "Ahmet Özer ran in the election under the Social Democrat Movement Party (SHP) banner. In our conversations within the party, it was said that he was nominated directly under Öcalan’s instructions."

The document further referenced ongoing investigations into the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) municipalities under the "Urban Consensus" probe.

Prosecutors noted that 10 individuals, including deputy mayors from CHP-led Kartal and Ataşehir districts, were arrested on Feb. 13.

Authorities alleged that these officials, like Özer, were placed in municipalities as part of a terrorist group's strategy.

The indictment concluded by stating, "Investigations into all elements and members of the Urban Consensus activities are being deepened and will continue."

(English version by Ayşenaz Toptaş)