Istanbul Court Releases Seyhan Official, Extends Detention for Mayors

The Istanbul 1st Heavy Penal Court also freed Seyhan Municipality Cleaning Affairs Director Özcan Zenger during a detention review. Lawyer Tuğçe Duygu Köksal announced on X: 'Our client Avcılar Mayor Utku Caner Çaykara has been released; after 14 months, today he will reunite with his freedom, family, and loved ones. The court extended detention for Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat, Seyhan Mayor Oya Tekin, Adıyaman Deputy Mayor Ceyhan Kayhan, Avcılar Deputy Mayor Erhan Daka, and lawyer Celal Tekin. The trial continues in Silivri, with the court expected to announce its decision on August 24. Çaykara was arrested in June 2025 on corruption charges.