Deputy Mayor Özgür Han Released in Marmaris Municipality Bribery Case

A significant development has occurred in the extensive operation launched against local government staff in the Marmaris district of Muğla. A decision was made to release Marmaris Deputy Mayor Özgür Han, who was arrested as part of the meticulous bribery and irregularity investigation conducted by the Marmaris Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Following the submission of the indictment prepared by the prosecution to the relevant court and its acceptance, the judicial authorities made a new assessment. The court ruled that Han should continue the trial process without detention. This decision opened a new chapter in the legal process that caused a huge repercussion in the region.

This prosecution process, which began in Marmaris, gained momentum following serious reports that some public personnel working at the municipality were involved in irregularities. Following detailed technical and physical surveillance, it was claimed that illegal benefits were obtained in exchange for zoning and permit procedures. The prosecution teams evaluating the reports focused on determining the existence of an alleged bribery ring formed by the suspects. Deepening the investigation in the light of the initial evidence gathered, the Marmaris Chief Public Prosecutor's Office instructed law enforcement units for a large-scale operation. The process began to be followed with great curiosity in the local press and public opinion.

According to the information obtained, simultaneous raids were conducted at the identified addresses on 26 Mart 2026 under the coordination of law enforcement. As part of this comprehensive corruption operation, many suspects, including high-level figures from the municipal administration, were taken into custody. After their statements at the police station were completed, the suspects were transferred to the courthouse. Deputy Mayor Özgür Han, who was among these individuals, also appeared before the judge. The duty court he was brought before ruled for his arrest on charges of brokering bribery and various irregularities, deeming it appropriate to send him to prison.

The most critical turning point in the legal situation of Özgür Han, who had been in prison for approximately three and a half months, occurred when the prosecution completed its investigation. When the investigation phase concluded, the detailed indictment prepared by the prosecution was officially submitted to the relevant high criminal court. With the acceptance of the indictment by the court, the status of the evidence in the case file was reassessed in a more comprehensive manner. While the file was brought back to the agenda with the initiatives of the defense lawyers, the possibility of the nature of the crime changing during the process was also discussed by the members of the judiciary. In the light of all these legal and evidentiary data, the court panel took a critical step to redefine the course of the case.

The court panel, taking into account the current state of evidence, the acceptance of the indictment, and the time the suspect spent in detention, had the final say. The panel ruled that there was no longer any need for Han to remain in prison, justifying its decision with the time Deputy Mayor Özgür Han spent without detention and the current stage of the case. Accordingly, it was decided that Han be released on the condition of judicial control. Although the process has not ended at this point for Han, who was released from prison, he will continue his upcoming trial from the outside, without detention. What will happen in the subsequent stages of this trial process continues to be closely followed by the local people and the public.