Breaking News... Retired Staff Colonel Orkun Özeller released

Müyesser Yıldız - 12punto.com.tr

Retired Staff Colonel Orkun Özeller, who held high-level positions within the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) Special Forces Command, appeared before a judge today at the Istanbul Çağlayan Courthouse in the case opened due to his social media posts targeting MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli.

GREAT INTEREST

According to 12punto writer and journalist Müyesser Yıldız, in addition to Özeller's wife, mother, and father, Zafer Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ, IYI Party deputies, martyr's mother Pakize Akbaba, and martyr's wife Nurse Yıldız (Namdar) also attended the hearing.

The bar association presidents of Çanakkale, Edirne, and Tekirdağ also attended the hearing as observers.

At the beginning of the hearing, it was noted that the criminal court judge said, "If we can receive the prosecutor's opinion, we will finish this session."

SLOGANS WERE CHANTED

While Özeller was making his defense, the slogans of "Orkun Özeller is not alone" chanted in the courthouse corridors were also heard from inside the courtroom.

Özeller concluded his defense, which lasted approximately 35 minutes, with the following words:

"There is no type of conflict I have not entered. I am a retired Turkish soldier whose uniform is adorned with the blood of martyrs. The PKK, NATO supporters, FETÖ and FETÖ-like structures, and the USA do not like or appreciate me. I am loved and respected by the veterans, families of martyrs, commanders, and the noble Turkish Nation you see behind me."

Özeller's lawyer, Doğukan Kozan, emphasized that the complainant, MHP Leader Devlet Bahçeli, is not a public official and that he was not given a duty regarding the PKK, and gave the following striking example:

"When Selahattin Demirtaş was a deputy, he said, 'We will erect a statue of Öcalan.' In this case, Demirtaş erecting a statue should also be considered a public duty."

Lawyer Mustafa Güler also stated that while Bahçeli is a public official as a deputy, these speeches cannot be considered within the scope of public duty because the words of Bahçeli that are the subject of criticism were uttered in the parliamentary group or outside the Parliament. Attorney Güler asked the question, "For example, if I argued with Bahçeli in traffic and swore at him, would he be considered a public official?"

Lawyer Mesut Tuna said he believes the court will stand on the right side of history in this historic case.

As Lawyer Serdar Öztürk began his statement, the Judge asked if it would be long. Öztürk replied, "3 minutes and 26 seconds." The judge said, "I am starting the stopwatch."

PROSECUTOR REQUESTED RELEASE

The prosecutor requested that Özeller be acquitted of the charge of inciting the public to hatred and enmity, that he be punished for his tweets and the interview on 12punto.com.tr, and that he be released.

Against the prosecutor's opinion, Özeller spoke with teary eyes and a trembling voice:

"Do you know what it's like to love the homeland? My mother, father, and wife are here. It is being able to erase and discard them all. Even if I am executed, I will continue to tell the truth and what I know because of my love for the homeland."

"I was afraid that a perception would be created that a Turkish officer is being put inside while efforts are being made to get terrorists out. I believe a decision will be made that will prevent this perception and, in particular, will not shake the fighting spirit of our soldiers on the border line."

The hearing was adjourned at 14:22 for a decision.

RELEASED

The Istanbul 8th Criminal Court of First Instance issued a release order for Retired Colonel Orkun Özeller, who had been detained for 57 days.

In the first hearing, the court ruled for his acquittal on the charge of "publicly inciting the public to hatred and enmity," while ruling for his punishment on the charge of "publicly insulting a public official due to their duty via audio, written, or visual communication," and deferred the announcement of the verdict.