Kilis Mayor Hakan Bilecen backs detained CHP provincial chief Mehmet Umut Sapan

Mayor Hakan Bilecen of Kilis visited the Kilis Prison to express support for CHP provincial chairman Mehmet Umut Sapan, who was detained and later taken into custody as part of a financial‑crime investigation coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s office. Bilecen said the case was "outside politics," described Sapan as a brother, and pledged to pursue his legal release, hoping he would be freed before the holidays. He also criticised recent police raids on the CHP headquarters and warned that the country's tension was increasing.

Bilecen, who also serves as an attorney, said he could not hold an open press conference due to legal restrictions on his mayoral duties, but reaffirmed his belief that justice will prevail and asked residents to pray for Sapan’s release.