Mehmet Akif Ersoy trial begins today

The first hearing of the case known as the "Mehmet Akif Criminal Organization," prepared under an indictment as part of an investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, will be held today.

At the hearing to be held at the Istanbul 19th High Criminal Court, 7 defendants, including journalist Mehmet Akif Ersoy, are expected to appear before the judge for the first time. It is anticipated that the defendants' statements will be taken during the first session.

While the indictment alleges that Mehmet Akif Ersoy is the leader of the organization, Ahmet Göçmez, Mustafa Manaz, Nurullah Mahmut Dündar, Taner Çağlı, Tolga Aykut, and Ufuk Tetik are also among the defendants. 11 women are listed as victims in the file.

CHARGES IN THE INDICTMENT

The 96-page indictment includes 11 separate acts. It is stated that the investigation was initiated following a tip-off received by the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command on November 2, 2025. The tip-off included allegations regarding the use of drugs and stimulants, and that these substances were provided at certain events.

In the indictment, the prosecution alleged that the defendants acted for the purpose of cooperation and sharing of benefits, and that the decision-making processes of the victims were influenced by providing them with cocaine. The indictment also claimed that the environments in question created a basis for sexual assault crimes.

For Mehmet Akif Ersoy, punishment was requested for the crimes of "establishing and managing a criminal organization," 11 counts of "qualified sexual assault," "trafficking or providing drugs or stimulants," and "facilitating the use of drugs."

The indictment seeks a prison sentence for Ersoy ranging from 11 years and 3 months to 286 years and 2 months. It was noted that a separate investigation is being conducted regarding Ela Rumeysa Cebeci, Yusuf Timur Savcı, and Steven Sadettin Saran, whose names are mentioned in the file, through separated documents.