Cold winds between MHP and the judiciary: 'Assassination of Aziz İhsan Aktaş' inquiry

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Organized Crime Bureau launched simultaneous operations on August 15 in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Muğla, and Samsun. During the dawn raid, proceedings were initiated against 14 suspects, including Selahattin Yılmaz.

Unlicensed pistols, pump-action shotguns, magazines, ammunition, and bulletproof vests were seized during house searches. Yılmaz and 13 others were taken into custody.

LAWYER WHO MADE HEADLINES WITH LUXURY OFFICE POSTS ALSO ARRESTED

Ten people, including lawyer Cem Duman, who has recently drawn attention with his social media posts featuring a luxury office, were arrested by the court.

While Yılmaz was arrested as the 'leader of a criminal organization,' lawyers Cem Duman and Selma Ilık were sent to prison on charges of 'establishing a criminal organization, threats, and obtaining benefits for unauthorized business.' Six others were arrested for membership in an organization and threats.

ASSASSINATION ALLEGATION AND CONSPIRACY DEFENSE

At the center of the investigation is the allegation of an 'assassination of Aziz İhsan Aktaş.' According to a report by the Sabah newspaper, it was claimed that Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Sports Club President Fatih Keleş gave instructions to Yılmaz via lawyers at Kandıra F-Type Prison to 'kill the whistleblower Adem Aktaş.'

Halk TV columnist İsmail Saymaz, however, reported in his column that Keleş had rejected an offer made to him in prison to be 'released in exchange for certain payments,' and that he had no connection to the assassination allegations involving Yılmaz.

'I AM A PERSON LOYAL TO THE STATE'

Denying the assassination charges in his statement, Selahattin Yılmaz said:

'I do not know Aktaş. I heard his name for the first time during my statement. I have not met him face-to-face, by phone, or through intermediaries. It is impossible for me to involve my son in such an event. Those around Aktaş may have used my name to manipulate him in different directions. This could be a conspiracy organized against me.'

Stating that Aktaş has been assisting the state in operations targeting CHP-run municipalities, Yılmaz said, 'Instead of harming him, I would act as a shield for him. I guarantee that not even a single hair on his head will be harmed.'

THE 'Opet Aziz İhsan AKTAŞ' MESSAGE ON THE PHONE

The prosecutor's referral document highlighted the charge of an 'armed criminal organization.' A message found on Yılmaz's phone reading 'Opet Aziz İhsan Aktaş' was accepted as evidence. Yılmaz stated that he heard this phrase during the sale of a gas station. This contradiction became the most critical point of his statement.