Critical development in the CHP convention case: All eyes on May 6

A new development has occurred in the CHP convention case being heard in Ankara. The fourth hearing of the criminal case regarding the Republican People's Party's 38th Ordinary Convention was held at the Ankara 26th Criminal Court of First Instance. The court issued an interim decision and adjourned the hearing to May 6, 2026.

12 DEFENDANTS FACE THE JUDGE

Within the scope of the case, a total of 12 people, primarily suspended Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, appeared before the judge. Names such as Özgür Çelik and Cemil Tugay were also among the defendants.

ALLEGATIONS OF "VOTING FRAUD"

The file contains allegations that delegates' votes were improperly directed during the convention process. The indictment charges the defendants with "tampering with voting" under Article 112 of the Law on Political Parties.

KILIÇDAROĞLU IS THE "VICTIM" IN THE FILE

In the case in question, former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is listed with the status of "victim." Prison sentences ranging from 1 to 3 years are being requested for the defendants.

HOW DID THE TRIAL PROCESS BEGIN?

The basis of the judicial process is the CHP's 38th Ordinary Convention, which was held on November 4-5, 2023. In this convention, Özgür Özel won the chairmanship race against Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

Following the convention, former Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Lütfü Savaş and some delegates applied to the judiciary, bringing allegations of irregularities to the agenda. It was claimed that the delegates' votes were directed in exchange for bribes.

In the hearing held on February 23, the court decided to initiate an attempt to merge the file with the "İmamoğlu criminal organization for profit" case being heard in Istanbul. However, the Istanbul 40th High Criminal Court rejected this request. Thus, the case continued independently in Ankara.

"ABSOLUTE NULLITY" DEBATE ON THE AGENDA

One of the prominent topics in the trial process has been the debate over "absolute nullity." This concept, which legally means that a transaction is considered invalid from the very beginning, is evaluated as an important element regarding the course of the case. 

News Source: 12punto