He was on trial for sexual assault! The mayor's sentence has been announced.

Published: July 11, 2025, 09:50

An investigation was launched against Mesudiye Mayor Cengiz Koçyiğit by the Mesudiye Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on May 16, 2024, on charges of sexually assaulting a 27-year-old woman, a municipal cleaning worker, multiple times.

According to a report by İsmail Arı from Birgün newspaper, the victim, who stated that Koçyiğit sexually assaulted her in the municipality building's warehouse, said in her statement, "In order to put an end to the sexual assaults and to produce evidence, she hid the phone she took from her friend when Koçyiğit came to the warehouse on March 18 and recorded the moment of the sexual assault on video. She also said that during the sexual assault, she resisted by biting Koçyiğit's hand, saying 'don't do it.'"

An indictment was prepared by the Mesudiye Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on January 6, 2025. The indictment stated, "It was determined that there was no romantic relationship or consensual relationship, and upon examination of the phone camera recording of the last act and the analysis report, it was determined that the complainant did not consent." The prosecutor requested that Mayor Koçyiğit be punished for "simple sexual assault in a series."

At the first hearing held at the Mesudiye Criminal Court of First Instance on February 26, the victim stated that she was offered a luxury car if she dropped her complaint. President Koçyiğit again claimed in court that the woman had consented.

The prosecutor, in his opinion, requested Koçyiğit's arrest. The opinion stated, "Although the defendant denied the accusation against him, it was understood that there was no romantic relationship or consensual relationship. Furthermore, at this stage of the prosecution, the defendant attempted to exert pressure on the victim. Considering the nature and nature of the crime charged, it is requested and considered on behalf of the public that the defendant be arrested at this stage."

However, the judge rejected the prosecutor's request for an arrest warrant and sentenced Koçyiğit to four years and two months in prison.

Speaking to BirGün, Mayor Cengiz Koçyiğit said, “I resigned from my party on December 31st to protect my party, the council members, and myself from harm. I continue as an independent mayor. This process is not one to be taken lightly. I intend to continue as an independent mayor until this case is concluded. I will not be a member of any party until I am cleared.”