Trial of the Aziz İhsan Aktaş criminal organization begins

As part of the investigation conducted under the name "Aziz İhsan Aktaş criminal organization," 200 people, including mayors from the Republican People's Party (CHP), will appear in court for the first time tomorrow at the courthouse in Silivri. Among the defendants, 40 people are currently being held in custody.

The investigation, which occupied the agenda throughout last year, gained momentum following allegations made by Aziz İhsan Aktaş; numerous operations were carried out, particularly due to allegations of irregularities in tenders held by CHP-run municipalities. During this process, some mayors were suspended from their duties and arrested.

In the case file brought to court, a total of 200 people will be tried under a 578-page indictment. Aziz İhsan Aktaş, who is described as the leader of the criminal organization, faces a total of up to 704 years in prison for charges including bribery, forgery, fraud, and money laundering.

Aktaş, who benefited from effective remorse provisions, had denied the accusations in his initial statement. Later, he utilized the effective remorse provisions and put forward many allegations.

RIZA AKPOLAT FACES UP TO 337 YEARS IN PRISON

According to the indictment, Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat, who is in custody, faces up to 337 years in prison for eight separate crimes, including "rigging a tender" and "accepting bribes." Adana Metropolitan Mayor Zeydan Karalar, Seyhan Mayor Oya Tekin, and Ceyhan Mayor Kadir Aydar, who are being tried while in custody, are among those who will be tried without arrest. On the other hand, Adıyaman Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere also faces up to 12 years in prison on charges of accepting bribes.

The charges against Avcılar Mayor Utku Caner Çaykara include up to 15 years in prison, while the demands regarding Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer include up to 9 years. Some of the suspended mayors have been released following the court's acceptance of the indictment.

The indictment alleges that starting from 2020, Aktaş carried out organized activities regarding various tenders held for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and numerous district municipalities, and that his organization obtained significant financial benefits during this process. Furthermore, it was stated that, allegedly, vehicle and financial resource facilities were provided to some CHP municipalities.

The trial, which will begin in the courtroom opposite the prison in Silivri, will maintain its place on the public agenda with the participation of a large number of defendants and lawyers.

News Source: 12punto