Allegations of '$720,000' against judge who released drug gang members: 'Let them investigate my entire family'

Oktay Açar, President of the 15th High Criminal Court, and the court members were suspended after issuing a release order for Abdullah Alp Üstün, who managed the Turkish operations of Dutch drug lord Leijdekkers. In the report prepared by inspectors and sent to the 2nd Chamber of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK), a tip-off received by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office via email was included.

The tip-off alleged that the gang members had agreed with the court president on a payment of $720,000 for the release order one day before the hearing where they were released.

'WE MADE THE DECISION BASED ON THE INFORMATION IN THE FILE'

halktv.com.tr columnist İsmail Saymaz reported on his interview with Judge Oktay Açar. The relevant section of Saymaz's article is as follows:

You have been suspended. A dismissal penalty may be requested against you.

I have handled more than 50 organized drug cases. Most of them were upheld by the appellate court and the Court of Cassation. Did I make a mistake only in this file? I cannot understand it.

Why did you issue a release order?

We evaluated it based on the information in the file. I did not make an unlawful decision. My assets are clear, let them investigate. I have one car and one house. I put my children through school with the money I earned from my profession. Let them investigate my entire family. This is a very big slander.

The tip-off received by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office alleges that an agreement was made with the gang for $720,000 for the release.

It is slander, there is no such thing. I do not let lawyers into my office. Only two days ago, a lawyer came. I didn't even ask his name. He said, “I have a client in Bodrum, I want his transfer here.” I said, “It is not possible, we will take him via SEGBİS.” He said, “I will present the scientific opinion of Prof. Köksal Bayraktar.” I said, “Give it to the bailiff.” My bodyguard and the bailiff were in the room. He said he would say something for a minute or two, then he left. I have no meeting with him. I don't understand where this is coming from.

I have been a judge for 33 years. I have been serving in this court for six years. I have looked at many organized crime files. I go to every hearing having read the file, I don't go without reading it. I worked day and night for my profession. I see this as a very serious accusation.

You released all 15 detainees, didn't you?

Yes. An objection was already filed two or three days later. The request for the arrest of eight of them was rejected. Some are already in custody due to extradition proceedings with Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. We imposed house arrest on one and a travel ban for the others. We wrote to the necessary places without delay. The seizure on their assets continues.

How did they escape?

I have no information. I don't know if they are in the country or abroad.

What do you think?

The inspectors have not taken our statements yet. We are suspended. I am very sad. I don't feel well. I am thinking about how such an injustice can happen. I hope it ends well.