First statement from CHP İzmir Provincial Chairman Aslanoğlu after his release

CHP İzmir Provincial Chairman Şenol Aslanoğlu was released from prison following the verdict given in the second hearing of the case known to the public as the "cooperative case."

Speaking in front of the prison after his release, Aslanoğlu recalled those still in custody, saying, "It's a bittersweet joy, of course. Because I left my comrades behind bars. Both President Tunç and Heval. Our comrades serving time in other cases are also still inside."

CHP İzmir Provincial Chairman Şenol Aslanoğlu, who was held in custody in a case filed over allegations of corruption through subcontractors at İzmir Metropolitan Municipality subsidiary İZBETON A.Ş., was released from prison yesterday after being ordered released on house arrest at the second hearing. Aslanoğlu, who was held in Buca High Security Closed Penitentiary, was released following the court's decision.

Along with his wife, Duygu Aslanoğlu, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki, Provincial Women's Branch President Zahide Kurun, provincial administration and district heads, and party members came to greet Aslanoğlu at the prison exit.

Aslanoğlu, whose exit procedures took approximately 2.5 hours, was evacuated around 04:00 in the morning.

Speaking after the release, Aslanoğlu said they experienced bittersweet joy.

“I LEFT MY COMRADES INSIDE”

Recalling that the detention of former Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tunç Soyer continues, Aslanoğlu said:

"Thank you to my district chairs, provincial administrators, provincial women's branch chair, and party members who are here at this hour. They didn't leave us alone. Thank you to our organization, who didn't leave us alone throughout all the hearings. It's a bittersweet joy, of course. Because I left my comrades behind. Both President Tunç and Heval. Our comrades who are serving time in other cases are also still behind bars. There are comrades who don't have indictments yet. We expect those comrades to be released, to regain their freedom, and to be reunited with their families as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we went through a political process. As a result of this political process, we spent three and a half months in prison. I miss you all very much. We'll be home for now, but we'll still find a way to be together. We're happy. At least today, we'll be together."

“WE WILL CONTINUE TO STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER”

Aslanoğlu also gave a message regarding the Provincial Congress, to which he has been re-nominated and which will be held on Friday, October 17th, saying, "We will respect the court's decisions. We will discuss and evaluate with our colleagues until the congress. Until now, we have always been arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder. From now on, regardless of the position, we will continue to be arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder. This organization did not abandon me at the hearings. We will stand together with our entire organization."