Alaattin Köseler reacted from Silivri: Resign from Parliament too

Özlem Vural Gürzel, who was elected as Beykoz Deputy Mayor by the Municipal Council in place of Beykoz Mayor Alaattin Köseler, who was arrested and dismissed, and CHP council members Uğur Gökdemir, Murat Uzun and Nevzat Cebeci left the party.

With the resignation of four people, the CHP's number of seats on the municipal council dropped from 18 to 14. Mayor Alaattin Köseler, who shared a letter he penned in Silivri regarding the events on his social media account, continued his criticism of his replacement, former Deputy Mayor Özlem Vural Gürzel.

Köseler said of Gürzel, "On this path we embarked on to serve the people of Beykoz, we have seen once again that we cannot cross paths with those who pursue positions, interests, and positions. After my arrest, I have received the news that Özlem Vural Gürzel, the deputy who was forced to take my place against my will, who came from Beylikdüzü, who knew nothing about Beykoz, and who was trying to find her way there with a navigator, has resigned from the CHP."

"Isn't this the strongest support?"

Regarding Özlem Vural Gürzel's comments about not receiving support, Köseler criticized her by saying, "The deputy mayor stated in her resignation letter that our party did not support her. It should not be forgotten that, disregarding the elected mayor of Beykoz's deputy position, she was given the position of deputy mayor with the full support of our party and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. If this is not the strongest support, what is?"

Köseler called on the four people who left the CHP to resign from the municipal council:

"I expect the deputy mayor and council members who resigned from the CHP to also resign from their municipal council memberships with a sense of responsibility towards Beykoz and its people."

Köseler's post is as follows:

"Dear people of Beykoz,

On this path we embarked on to serve the people of Beykoz, we have once again seen that our paths cannot cross with those seeking positions, benefits, and positions. After my arrest, I have received the news that Özlem Vural Gürzel, the deputy who was forced to take my place against my will, a Beylikdüzü native who was completely unfamiliar with Beykoz and was trying to find her way there with a navigation device, has resigned from the Republican People's Party.

As I've stated in previous letters, tape recordings in the Şile Municipality investigation file clearly revealed that Özlem Vural Gürzel was part of this conspiracy. I warned you repeatedly and shared all the details with you through my letters. Unfortunately, these statements, supported by the national press and the public, were ignored and disregarded by the relevant authorities and political officials. The current situation we are experiencing today is behavior that defies all ethical and moral values.

The acting mayor stated in his resignation letter that our party did not support him. It should not be forgotten that, disregarding the elected mayor of Beykoz's deputy position, he was appointed acting mayor with the full support of our party and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. If this is not the strongest support, what is?

This decision is, of course, their own. However, everyone should know that the people of Beykoz value loyalty, sincerity, and honesty over daily calculations, bargaining, and self-interest. The spirit of Beykoz transcends a sense of belonging. Anyone who hasn't breathed Beykoz's air, stepped on its soil, or drunk its water cannot internalize the spirit of Beykoz or act with a sense of Beykoz.

Therefore, I expect the deputy mayor and council members who resigned from the CHP to also resign from their municipal council seats, with a sense of responsibility towards Beykoz and its residents. As my lawyer, Çiğdem Kezer, previously stated in her statement to you, during my case, the Istanbul 17th High Criminal Court heard all the defendants, both detained and not detained, and witnesses one by one, after a three-day trial that continued late into the night. After this decision, I issued my release order. I once again extend my gratitude to the esteemed judges of our noble Turkish justice system, who made this decision with their conscience and conscience.

As I've stated before, my case is not a political one. There is no concrete evidence, other than the abstract allegations of witnesses with whom I have a grudge, regarding the crimes I'm accused of. Therefore, I stand with my head held high and my face held high.

However, less than 24 hours after the release decision, the Istanbul Anatolian 18th High Criminal Court was convened, despite the prosecutor objecting on Saturday. The objection to my release was accepted with lightning speed, and a new arrest warrant was issued. As I write these lines, I am in Silivri on my 196th day, including my detention. Nevertheless, as I have always maintained, we must trust in the Turkish judiciary, justice, and the rule of law. We must trust in the rule of law and the independent judiciary of our state. I have full confidence that justice will prevail once again in the final verdict of our ongoing case.

I'm grateful to all my fellow citizens of Beykoz for the love, devotion, enthusiasm, and sense of ownership you've shown me. Your presence here is what keeps me alive and strengthens my resilience.

I believe that positions are temporary, but the will and love of the people are permanent. I believe with all my heart that we will overcome this challenging period through unity, solidarity, and solidarity.

With love and hope…

Alaattin Köseler Elected Mayor of Beykoz

September 10, 2025 / Silivri

Source: News Center