Ümit Karan released at first hearing

Former football player Ümit Karan, who was arrested and sent to prison as part of an ongoing drug and prostitution investigation, appeared before a judge at the first hearing of the case. The court panel decided to release Karan after hearing his defense.

The trial of former football player Ümit Karan, who was arrested following large-scale operations in Istanbul, has begun. Karan, who was present in the courtroom at the first hearing held at the Çağlayan Courthouse, presented his defense against the allegations.

FACING UP TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON

As part of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Bureau of Investigation for Smuggling, Narcotics, and Economic Crimes, simultaneous operations were carried out by teams affiliated with the Narcotics and Organized Crime Combat branches.

As a result of the raids, 13 suspects, including Ümit Karan, were apprehended; the suspects were arrested by the court and sent to prison on the following charges:

•Drug trafficking and facilitating the use of drugs,

•Encouraging prostitution, facilitating it, mediating for prostitution, or providing a venue for it.

•In the indictment prepared as a result of the investigation, a prison sentence of up to 10 years was requested for former striker Ümit Karan for the crime of "drug trafficking."

COURT DECISION FOR RELEASE

Ümit Karan, who appeared before a judge at the Çağlayan Courthouse today, presented his defense to the court panel. After hearing the statements of the parties and lawyers, followed by the defense of the defendants, the court panel announced its interim decision and ruled for the release of the detained defendant Ümit Karan.

News Source: 12punto