Dilan and Engin Polat apologize: 'We overstepped our bounds'
Dilan Polat and Engin Polat, whose assets were seized following an investigation launched against them, have issued a joint statement apologizing to the public.
12punto
Social media influencer Dilan Polat and Engin Polat, who have frequently been in the spotlight due to their social media posts and the investigation launched against them, have announced that they are apologizing in a joint statement.
After their assets were seized, Dilan Polat closed her social media accounts, but has now reopened her Instagram account to publish a joint statement with her husband, Engin Polat.
''THERE HAVE BEEN ACTS OF VANITY AND OSTENTATION''
The text of the Polat couple's apology is as follows:
“At this time, we are trying to continue our lives just like all our fellow citizens. As with any human being, we have our own human failings. While conducting our business, we have had certain excesses, acts of vanity, and displays of ostentation in the public eye, stemming from various human and worldly reasons, which were contrary to ethics and decorum. For these, we first feel embarrassment before God, and we have also shown thoughtlessness and impoliteness toward you.
We have realized better during this process that we have overstepped our bounds at times due to various human weaknesses. There is an unwritten rule that is often repeated and never changes: 'There is a blessing in every misfortune.' In these difficult times, when our business has been halted, our reputation is being targeted for destruction, truth and falsehood are being presented as intertwined, and reason, common sense, and conscience have been lost to our detriment, and where a 'pile on' mentality prevails, we have, in accordance with the principle that 'with hardship comes ease,' so to speak, retreated into our own shell, paused, reflected, regained our composure, and found the opportunity to account for the events that have occurred. Following this self-criticism, we are aware that we must apologize to our nation in the public eye and adopt a new orientation before God, free from ostentation and excess. Regarding the difficult times we are experiencing, it is necessary to make some statements in order for the truth to emerge.
''EVERYONE IS FREE TO CONDUCT THE BUSINESS THEY WISH AS LONG AS IT IS NOT A CRIME''
There is a prosecutor's investigation being conducted against us. The investigation in question is being carried out in confidentiality. There is a preliminary MASAK report prepared regarding this investigation. Furthermore, the prosecutor's office continues to collect evidence and conduct research regarding the events in question. According to the MASAK report, there are no other accusations, findings, or evidence against us (such as money laundering, illegal betting, etc.) other than tax liability. All information and documents have been delivered to the prosecutor's office and the tax authority, and all kinds of procedures, including the excavation of our garden, have been and continue to be carried out. The assessment of our legal counsel and the scientific opinions of the expert witnesses relied upon by our courts are that there can be no accusation of organized crime, money laundering, or betting, other than tax liability.
When looking at all the investigations that have taken place in our country regarding similar events to date, the result after the trial is like 'the mountain brought forth a mouse.' Therefore, we expect the investigative authorities to act with the foresight of the trial outcome, with the identity of a citizen, which is the highest identity. Currently, a precautionary measure has been placed on all our bank accounts and the platforms and methods through which our business operates. If this process continues for a while longer, the damage to our state in terms of employment and tax revenue will be many times greater than any benefit to be gained from the investigation. This is always the case in practice. We request that our judicial authorities look at the statistics at their disposal and evaluate the difference between the beginning and the end. Freedom of trade is a constitutional right. As long as the method by which a person conducts their business is not a crime, they are free to conduct the business they wish. Investigations are conducted according to the rules of criminal procedure and principles. While we are being accused, we also have legal rights, and circumstances in our favor must also be taken into account. In this process we are experiencing, everyone is in a state of expectation, and we are among those waiting.
''WE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE AFTER''
At the same time, we are facing a lynching by journalists and social media, and we are under attack by a few television channels acting with prejudice. With the exception of a few press organs, we are being attacked with a vulture-like mentality without any objective criteria or common sense. With the exception of exceptions like Murat Ağırel, who has a fair approach even if he is against us, as time goes on and the facts emerge, we will hold them all accountable before the law and we will constantly expose them. Again, to the few characterless and self-interested social media influencers, we know what you are after. We are aware of who you are making what kind of deals with, and your calculations.
''EVERYTHING WILL COME TO LIGHT''
We have now understood and identified your cooperation with the traitors closest to us. We know you are salivating; our efforts will never be yours, know this as well. We will break your back before the law and we will clearly reveal what kind of characters you are in front of society. God also helps those who have been made victims in their difficult days. Does God ever give up on His servants? In summary, we are going through difficult days because of these people, most of whom are malicious and characterless, and due to the inflation of the calculating segment. These individuals are making life unlivable for us. Know that, friends, we are not accused of rigging tenders, bribery, or betraying any value. Yes, sometimes such blessings have their burdens. We accept this as a warning. Everything will come to light, and we will continue to provide employment to thousands of people and add value to our country, more prudent and more experienced. The candle of the cruel, characterless collaborators will be extinguished. Regards, love."