Manisa Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek's Death Sparks Investigation

Ever since Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest in March, several other CHP officials and citizens who participated in the protests have been arrested. One of the most controversial aspects of these arrests was the health conditions of the arrested, as many imprisoned citizens weren’t provided proper medicine, and the prison environment worsened their conditions.

The case of Esila Ayık was among the stories that made headlines. Ayık had a heart problem that was progressively getting worse in prison. The abundance of such cases caused significant backlash against the government, as most believed they were unjust and that the citizens were facing these conditions because of their support for İmamoğlu.

However, this backlash is expected to take off following Manisa Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek’s death on June 6, as social media users have already started to construct their conspiracy theories about how this death is a warning for everyone to let go of the İmamoğlu protests. According to official reports, he died as a result of electrocution upon coming into contact with his swimming pool.

Prof. Dr. İsmet Topçu, chief physician of the Manisa Celal Bayar Hafsa Sultan Hospital, where Zeyrek was treated, talked to reporters. Zeyrek’s treatment went on for almost three days, from 11.30 PM on Friday to 5.05 PM on Monday: “As of 5:05 PM today, despite all interventions, our esteemed mayor passed away due to cardiac arrest. We lost him. I wish him mercy from God, and I express my condolences and patience to his family and loved ones.”

Özgür Özel, the head of CHP, devastated by the news, also talked to the media, highlighting Zeyrek’s dedication and integrity, while also urging citizens not to overcrowd the hospital. Others, like Numan Kurtulmuş, Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM), and Fahrettin Altun, Director of Communications at the Presidency, also expressed their condolences.

Two people were detained as part of the investigation into Zeyrek’s death. The expert report clearly revealed that the death was not an ordinary accident and that some serious negligence was in question. The two individuals taken into custody were responsible for the maintenance and safety of the pool: Yalçın Ö. was believed to be responsible for the maintenance, and Ahmet S., has failed to report the leak. Following their testimonies, however, they were released under judicial control. The report concluded that measures were properly taken in the machine room, but due to corrosion, it lost its functionality. Due to the lack of protective measures at the main entrance, Zeyrek, who went into the maintenance room to check the problem with the pool, got electrocuted. It was noted that voltages above 50 can be lethal, and it was determined that President Zeyrek was exposed to an electric current ranging between 68 and 80 volts.

After the release of Yalçın Ö. and Ahmet S., four other citizens were taken into custody. Z.M., N.B., and H.İ. were arrested on the charge of “causing death by negligence.” However, M.Y.P. was later released. The report reveals that the charges were made for the following reasons: Z.M. did not construct the distance between the energy room and the pool in accordance with standards; N.B., designed and installed the motor and electrical components in the energy room in violation of standards; H.İ. made incorrect and faulty installations and M.Y.P. was responsible for the construction of the pool.

While investigations continue, the incident continues to spark discussion.

Edited by: Melisa Altıntaş