Testimonies revealed in Bolu Municipality sacrifice investigation: 'Our goal was to provide scholarships to students'

The Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office continues its investigation into Bolu Municipality, which was launched on February 28.

Ali Sarıyıldız, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the BOLSEV Foundation, who was detained as part of the investigation, made striking claims in his prosecution testimony regarding the period before the 2025 Eid al-Adha.

"HE SAID WE NEEDED TO COLLECT DONATIONS"

In his testimony, Sarıyıldız claimed that they acted in accordance with the guidance received from the municipality, stating, "Before the 2025 Eid al-Adha, Tanju Özcan called me and said that the municipality had issued an announcement for sacrifice aid and that we, as the foundation, needed to collect donations. I met with board members Leyla Beykoz and Aydan Özdemir at the foundation building, and we issued an announcement on this matter. Our goal was not to buy and slaughter animals. It was to provide scholarships to students."

DIFFERENT STATEMENTS FROM FOUNDATION EXECUTIVES

Foundation executives Leyla Beykoz and Aydan Özdemir stated in their testimonies that no decision had been taken regarding sacrifice donations.

Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan also said in his statement regarding the matter, "I may not remember some issues because you asked me this question suddenly."

TANJU ÖZCAN ARRESTED FOR THE SECOND TIME

Deputy Mayor Leyla Beykoz, who was detained as part of the investigation and is also on the board of the BOLSEV Foundation, and CHP Municipal Council Member Aydan Özdemir were arrested on charges of "extortion by coercion."

On the other hand, a second arrest warrant was issued for Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan, who was arrested on March 3 along with Ali Sarıyıldız.

News Source: 12punto