MP Baran comments on appeal case involving Davutlu Mosque
In a statement shared on social media, Baran said he followed the appeal case heard at the İskeçe Court of Appeals concerning Hasan Akifoğlu, chairman of the mosque’s board of trustees, who had previously received a suspended prison sentence.
Baran emphasized that developments surrounding religious institutions and charitable foundations are matters of significant concern for the community, adding that the case carries not only legal implications but also a broader social and moral dimension.
He noted that mosques and foundation-owned properties represent important elements of the community’s cultural and historical heritage and expressed hope that the judicial process would conclude in a manner that promotes justice, social harmony, and common sense.
Regarding the outcome of the appeal, Baran stated that the court did not issue a full acquittal but described the ruling as more favorable compared to the previous decision. He expressed hope that future stages of the legal process would result in a fair outcome that would satisfy the community’s sense of justice.
Background of the Case
The case concerns an old school building in the village of Small Davutlu (Mikro Derveni), near İskeçe, which was converted into a mosque.
Authorities launched an investigation in 2021 following allegations that the building had been converted into a place of worship without the necessary permits and that a minaret and additional structures had been constructed on the site. The mosque’s board of trustees was reportedly fined approximately €104,000, while Akifoğlu received a suspended nine-month prison sentence in an earlier ruling.
Following that decision, Baran stated that the protection of foundation-owned properties remained a “red line” for the community and announced that the case would be pursued through higher courts.
